Sir Terence Conran ‘talks design’ at Bedales

Students, teachers, parents and members of the community were enthralled by Sir Terence Conran’s visit to Bedales and his interview in the school’s Olivier Theatre, where he was centre stage ‘Talking Design’ with Old Bedalian Matthew Rice.
 
PETERSFIELD, U.K. - Oct. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Students, teachers, parents and members of the local community were enthralled by Sir Terence Conran’s visit to Bedales and his interview in the school’s Olivier Theatre, where he was centre stage ‘Talking Design’ with designer and Old Bedalian Matthew Rice.

Prior to the Theatre event, Sir Terence and Lady Conran were given a tour of the ‘Bedales Selective’ Exhibition in the School’s Gallery, to view the highlights of student Art and Design projects over the past year. Commenting on the students’ work he said, “It was incredible to see young people demonstrating such flair and creativity using a variety of materials from canvas to wood to electronics. I believe to be a good designer you must first know how to make a product before you can embark on the design process.”

On stage in the Theatre, OB Matthew Rice prompted fascinating answers from Sir Terence on postmodern design, the inception of Habitat, his career as a restaurateur and the inspirations behind his many entrepreneurial ideas.

The audience enjoyed hearing anecdotes such as when Baroness Thatcher was invited to open the Design Museum in London. Sir Terence and Baroness Thatcher were in the lift at the Museum and it stopped 12 inches above the floor. Baroness Thatcher turned to Sir Terence and said “What do I do now?” to which he replied, “jump!”.

Sir Terence gave an insight into his inspiration behind furniture design and how observations of dreary 1950’s interiors sparked ideas that would transform the furniture and home interiors industry.  Asked where the idea to call his home interiors business ‘habitat’ originated, he told the story of a drinks evening with staff and the suggestion by the shop manager that they review Roget’s Thesaurus for inspiration. Sir Terence suggested they look up ‘home’ and as soon as the manager read out ‘habitat’ Sir Terence said “Yes, that’s it”.

As a restaurateur, Sir Terence mentioned the influence of renowned cook Elizabeth David who inspired his ideas in transferring elements of French cuisine to the UK market and transforming kitchenware.

Commenting on Sir Terence’s visit, Keith Budge, Head of Bedales Schools, said: “Sir Terence’s ideas have influenced decades and generations in art, design and industry. He is an extraordinarily influential innovator; our students appreciated this unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of him as a designer and as an entrepreneur.”
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