Stephen Bayley Quotes

A collection of quotes by Stephen Bayley.

Stephen Bayley is a renowned British writer, critic, and commentator who has made notable contributions to the fields of design, architecture, and popular culture. Born in 1951, he studied history and philosophy at the University of Manchester and later pursued a career focused on the appreciation and understanding of design.

Bayley gained recognition for co-founding the influential magazine, Blueprint, in 1983, which rapidly became the widely respected leading publication in design and architecture. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous books and articles on design and cultural subjects, showcasing his expertise and unique perspectives.

Known for his wit and incisive observations, Bayley has been an advocate for good design and thoughtful aesthetics. He has served as a design consultant for various entities and has been a prominent figure in promoting design education and awareness. Moreover, his distinctive contributions to design criticism have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential voices in the field.

As an engaging public speaker, Bayley frequently appears on television and radio, sharing his insights and opinions with a wider audience. His ability to bridge the gap between design and popular culture has made him a highly respected figure both within the design community and beyond.

Stephen Bayley's lifelong dedication to promoting design excellence has left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring countless designers, enthusiasts, and students to appreciate and engage with the built environment.

Where do architects and designers get their ideas? The answe

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?

Architecture

Fashion is the most intense expression of the phenomenon of

Fashion is the most intense expression of the phenomenon of neomania, which has grown ever since the birth of capitalism. Neomania assumes that purchasing the new is the same as acquiring value.... If the purchase of a new garment coincides with the wearing out of an old one, then obviously there is no fashion. If a garment is worn beyond the moment of its natural replacement, there is pauperization. Fashion flourishes on surplus, when someone buys more than he or she needs.

Fashion

I have a character failing. I am quite incapable of identify

I have a character failing. I am quite incapable of identifying with anything whole-heartedly. Whatever I am doing, I am always planning to do something else. I would rather travel than arrive.

Travel

It is the fragrant lack of practicality that makes high-heel

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. If a woman wears a high-heeled shoe it changes the apparent musculature of the leg so that you get an effect of twanging sinew, of tension needing to be released. Her bottom sticks out like an offering. At the same time, the lofty perch is an expression of vulnerability, she is effectively hobbled and unable to escape. There is something arousing about this declaration that she is prepared to sacrifice function for form.

Fashion

Interior design is a travesty of the architectural process a

Interior design is a travesty of the architectural process and a frightening condemnation of the credulity, helplessness and gullibility of the most formidable consumers

Design

The assumption must be that those who can see value only in

The assumption must be that those who can see value only in tradition, or versions of it, deny man's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Tradition

Watteau is no less an artist for having painted a fascia boa

Watteau is no less an artist for having painted a fascia board while Sainsbury's is no less effective a business for producing advertisements which entertain and educate instead of condescending and exploiting.

Advertising

Everyone has taste, yet it is more of a taboo subject than s

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.

Style