Voices on ... goldfish bowl life

“It’s quite horrible ... I feel like I’m on display all the time.”

London tenants complain that Tate Modern’s new Switch House viewing galleries look into their £4.5 million flats

“Those people ... might put up a blind or net curtain as is common in many places.”

Tate director Nicholas Serota

“Would he be saying the same thing if it was a council flat? Is it to do with the presumption that these people are rich and they get what they deserve buying a flat like that? I don’t agree with that, I think everybody is entitled to a certain amount of privacy.”

Local councillor Adele Morris

“I agree with Nick. Guys, you live in the middle of a highly dense city where blocks like yours spring up every other day, often on foundations made from the rubble of social housing. Not only did you know that a massive extension of Tate Modern was on the way when you bought your flats, you also got a kick out of the idea that you’d be looking right at it. The tables have been turned: now it’s looking at you – and people in glass houses shouldn’t throw tantrums.”

Deborah Orr, Guardian

“No wonder we voyeurs stare into the flats nearby which, with their perfect, trendy furniture few of us can afford, offer an insight into how the other half lives. They have become exhibits.”

Catherine Pepinster, London