Stephen Bayley
Stephen Bayley
Stephen Paul Bayleyis a British design critic, cultural critic, journalist and author...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionCritic
Date of Birth13 October 1951
Stephen Bayley quotes about
burnt busy economic given including industry inspired margaret obstruct quicker sentiment short trade ways
It is Margaret Thatcher's fault, ... Inspired by busy little demons, she slashed and burnt her way through the old order. Sentiment was given short shrift, as short as the trade unions: nothing including old-fashioned industry was to obstruct economic progress. Making things was slow. There were quicker ways to get rich...
furniture sometimes made
It is sometimes easier to have furniture made than to find things.
role-models getting-older roles
That's one of the things about getting older isn't it? You suddenly realise that you are what you set out to be. And there are no role models any more.
effort challenges britain
While there is a great value in things that are old, it seems that the overwhelming challenge in Britain in the late 20th century is to make every effort to see value in the contemporary and in the future.
shoes insecurity mechanic
It is the fragrant lack of practicality that makes high-heeled shoes so fascinating: in terms of static mechanics they induce a sort of insecurity which some find titillating.
antiques certain interest
I have no particular interest in antiquities or antiques, but I like things to meet a certain aesthetic.
design rich process
Interior design is a travesty of the architectural process and a frightening condemnation of the credulity, helplessness and gullibility of the most formidable consumers - the rich.
sex attitude simple
Everyone has taste, yet it is more of a taboo subject than sex or money. The reason for this is simple: claims about your attitudes to or achievements in the carnal and financial arenas can be disputed only by your lover and your financial advisers, whereas by making statements about your taste you expose body and soul to terrible scrutiny. Taste is a merciless betrayer of social and cultural attitudes. Thus, while anybody will tell you as much (and perhaps more than) you want to know about their triumphs in bed and at the bank, it is taste that gets people's nerves tingling.
discovery achievement taste
I have put [the word] "discoveries" in inverted commas because scientific results, perhaps as much at least as artistic achievements, are a product of contemporary taste, driven by momentary appetites rather than eternal verities.
architects architecture designers mainly mere tradition
''Where do architects and designers get their ideas?'' The answer, of course, is mainly from other architects and designers, so is it mere casuistry to distinguish between tradition and plagiarism?
architects designers ideas mainly mere tradition
'Where do architects and designers get their ideas?'' The answer, of course, is mainly from other architects and designers, so is it mere casuistry to distinguish between tradition and plagiarism?
cheerful enjoy enjoys finger relationship tail
We have a relationship of cheerful antagonism. I enjoy twisting his tail and he enjoys wagging his finger at me.
achieve activities age dry epic experience free involve knew marx modern religious robbed shops sword win
In an age robbed of religious symbols, going to the shops replaces going to the church. We have a free choice, but at a price. We can win experience, but never achieve innocence. Marx knew that the epic activities of the modern world involve not lance and sword but dry goods.