I am disappointed in Marina Abramović’s apparent insistence on using young models for her naked living doorway (Royal Academy recreates infamous artwork, 4 September). A more challenging work would include different ages, with less sculpted body lines. How about facing your mortality when you are passing between pot bellies and man boobs and drooping breasts and child-bearing stomachs?
Val Mainwood
Wivenhoe, Essex
• Without detracting from Goscinny and Uderzo’s skill in devising “cultural and linguistic gags” in the saga of Asterix and Obelix (G2, 30 August), we must remember also the sympathy and wit of his English translators, who gave us the wizard Getafix, the chieftain Vitalstatistix, and the small boy Picanmix, among many others.
Sebastian Robinson
Glasgow
• Comparing notes with our heritage colleagues in Swanage (Wanted: drivers to keep age of steam alive, 3 September), the Dean Forest Railway’s 13 drivers range from 25 to 72, and our 12 firemen are 20 to 74. I’ll have to ask the 74-year-old whether and when he is seeking promotion to driver.
Rob Harris
DFR press and film officer
• Twiggy asserts herself as the first well-known woman to wear brogues (G2, 4 September). The Queen, maybe?
Anne Douglas
Crosthwaite, Cumbria
• Regarding problems that customers experience when ordering coffee (Starbucks needs to drop its name game, G2, 3 September), why not do as I always do and say your name is Mary?
Gwyneth Wagstaff
Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Neath Port Talbot
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