Design expert opens Pro Manchester lecture series

1 February 2010 15:20 Comments (0)

Writer and commentator Stephen Bayley will be the first speaker in a new annual series of lectures organised by Pro Manchester.

BDP and Manchester University have agreed to support the inaugural lecture, which will see Bayley, a Manchester alumnus, assert that architecture is more important than politics.

Gavin Elliott, chairman of the BDP Manchester Studio, said: “We are thrilled and delighted that Stephen Bayley has accepted the invitation to talk at this event.”

Prof Simon Guy, head of the environment and development school at the university, added: “His wit and insight is renowned and I’m sure his talk will be stimulating and provocative at such an important time for both the city of Manchester and the country as a whole.

“It will be pleasure to work with our partners BDP and pro-manchester to see him back in Manchester, and hear Stephen’s thoughts on the complex relationship between architecture and politics.”

The lecture will take place at BDP’s recently-opened Manchester studio on Wednesday 3 March.

Stephen Bayly Bayley is a former chief executive of the Design Museum. In 1989 he was made a Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s top artistic honour, by the French Minister of Culture. He was appointed as the creative director of the exhibition at the Millennium Dome in Greenwich, and after a series of disputes he resigned in 1998, citing ministerial interference. Bayley is a columnist for The Times, and his recent books include Life’s a Pitch and Woman as Design. His next book will be titled Ugly.

John Ashcroft, chief executive of Pro Manchester, said: “As one of the world’s best known commentators on architecture and modern culture, we look forward to getting an insight into Stephen’s observations on style and design. Returning to his university roots, Stephen’s lecture will include generous measures of wit, passion and provocation as he gives his unique take on the importance of architecture in a contemporary world.”