A Thing of Beauty

To the National Geographical Society last week for a National Trust Debate on 'Britain has become indifferent to Beauty' of which more below. Firstly I should confess to being chastised by my companion as we enjoyed a pre-debate glass of wine and I was moaning about how much my hands were hurting, having carted heavy work bags around London all day. Did I not realise that I was standing below the portrait not only of the legendary "Scott of the Antarctic" but also that of the missionary Dr. Livingstone and how dare I winge about a little bag carrying in the presence of such brave adventurers who really knew about suffering !? Anyway, back to the Debate with Roger Scruton and David Starkey speaking for the motion and claiming that beauty is central to life and politics and something to be contemplated and not 'sold' as in Britain where beauty has become priced but not valued. These opinions countered by Germaine Greer and Stephen Bayley, arguing that the British today are visually very sophisticated and that it is folly to patronise with yearnings for the past but rather to look to the new and equally beautiful as Britain excels in music, architecture, art and fashion. I disagreed with the motion at the start of the debate and with the majority of the audience, still disagreed by the end and thoroughly enjoyed the witty and intelligent performances. But what about inner beauty - that which can't be seen nor measured but which when encountered is so rare and special ? If only the National Trust could protect that too, the world would be a lovelier place.