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Two recorded conversations – about Sean Gabb and about modern architecture I say “recorded conversations” because I never know quite what the definition of a ‘podcast’ truly is. Is it a podcast if you just record it and sling it up at your own blog? So anyway, yes, I have recently done a couple of these.
First, I recorded Antoine Clarke and me having a discussion about the thinkings and writings of Sean Gabb, and person often mentioned here. We are, and accordingly were, somewhat critical. Blog posting by me here.
Second, Patrick Crozier recorded him talking with me about modern architecture, “Modern Movement” architecture, skyscrapers, horrible housing estates etc. Blog posting by Patrick here.
Both last about 40 to 45 minutes. If you have that kind of time to spare, enjoy.
And, Patrick Crozier and I have fixed to do another one of these things next week on the subject of Northern Ireland. Peace (so far, touch wood etc.) may not generate news, but we think it deserves to be at least talked about. I will certainly be re-reading the comments on this posting here before doing that.
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Well I did enjoy that, but I was a little disappointed that neither of you went beyond just 20th Century architecture. In particular I’d be interested in hearing what thoughts Brian may have about the function of aesthetic judgements of architecture more generally.
Brian made some good points about attitudes to beauty, but I get the feeling he could say more about that.
Durham Cathedral, for example, is often cited as Britain’s most beautiful building, yet it seems to me that its’ builders had intended not beauty, but the sublime, the terrible – not too much unlike Brian’s description of certain modern buildings as ‘fascist’. So how these judgements of a building’s aesthetic appearance change over time seems like an interesting subject for another podcast – should either of you find the time or inclination of course.
Podcasting. Named so because listeners usually download the, uh, broadcast (for lack of a better term) to their iPod or like device. Or casting to pods if that sounds better. Not that you an iPod.
Yes Mike – there is a difference between the beauty of (for example) York Minister, and the sublime of Durham Cathedral.
Both have there place – and the sublime need not be Facist or in any way evil (showing power is not always evil – and even being grim and serious is not always evil).
An interesting contrast is between the interior of Manchester Cathedral, were the burnt damage of both World War II and the I.R.A. bomb is the main part of the atmosphere, and the interior of the main Church in Leeds (whose name escapes me) – where the interior is high Victorian bright coloured beauty.
Both have their place.
Although (to contradict myself) if one looks closely there are some friendly decorations in Durham Cathedral (and they were there from the first). Yes it is there to show the power of God (and perhaps of the Norman masters), but at close observation it is also saying “I am not alien, and I stand for right against wrong – whether Norman or Saxon”.