Rowan Moore spares no words in this scathing overview of Tory-approved developments – and finds the Tory architectural guru, the late philosopher Roger Scruton, useless on this count. “Beauty, in other words, is more than skin-deep. It is ugly to cut affordable housing, to force people into their cars if they want to go out for something to eat, to put people into dank boxes, no matter what their architectural style.” (Don’t miss the line about the publisher of Asian Babes and Horny Housewives.) – The Observer (UK)
Tag: 02.01.20
John Le Carré Gets A Major Award, And Says Brexit Broke His Heart
Le Carré, as he accepted the Olof Palme prize: “I want a Palme for my country, which in my lifetime hasn’t produced a single statesman of his stamp. I want him now. I’m not just a remainer. I’m a European through and through, and the rats have taken over the ship, I want to tell him. It’s breaking my heart and I want it to break yours. We need your voice to wake us from our sleepwalk, and save us from this wanton act of political and economic self-harm. But you’re too late.” – The Guardian (UK)
When Writing Your Novel Means Facing Unsavory Realities
Writer Abi Daré wasn’t planning to deal with a new novel, and a normalized practice among middle-class families in Nigeria, when her 8-year-old wouldn’t unload the dishwasher. But inspiration strikes where it will. She says, “When I was writing it, I did not think it would get published. So I was really telling myself a story.” – The New York Times
The Practical And Ethical Challenges Of Conserving, Or Restoring, Damaged Works Of Art
It’s not an easy line to walk, and there’s a question of how far back they should go to “restore” the original work. Now, some conservation studios are also starting to work with contemporary artists, especially those who work in materials that can, er, “morph” over time, so that the art remains in good shape for centuries. – The Observer (UK)
Peter Serkin, Pianist Who Forged His Own Path, Has Died At 72
Serkin, who “was descended from storied musical lineages on both sides of his family,” seemed at an early age destined to follow their path. But he found the expectation a burden, and went on a new path. “Like many who came of age in the 1960s, he questioned the establishment, both in society at large and within classical music. He resisted a traditional career trajectory and at 21 stopped performing, going for months without even playing the piano.” When he returned, it was as a performer who could mix the old and the new. “He played almost all the piano works of Schoenberg, Stravinsky and Wolpe. He also introduced dozens of pieces, including major works and concertos, written for him by composers like Toru Takemitsu, Charles Wuorinen and, especially, his childhood friend Peter Lieberson.” – The New York Times