You all know this book launch soiree was not to miss:
and subsequently we reviewed 21st Century Palaces by Geoffrey Bradfield:
We could not be more thrilled to celebrate our milestone 300th post with our friend Geoffrey Bradfield! Peachy Deegan interviewed Geoffrey Bradfield for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: We've published our opinion that we believe there are two types of interior designers in this world: you, and not you. Why do you believe so many people put you in class by yourself and what makes you the best?
Geoffrey Bradfield:
You are very generous in offering that distinction. I am sure I would be proud to share that “class” with many worthy peers.
“To be truly creative, I believe one has to be something of an outsider – outside the sphere of the norm.”
If I am “set apart” as it were, perhaps it is that very fact - that I am not native to the American culture, although so much of the glamour aspect of my interiors is rooted in the Hollywood of Yore.
For me, taking risks is part of the creative vocabulary of being alive. I don’t want to do safe interiors. It’s not what I am about.
I have always set myself very high standards, and probably one of the most defining aspects of my career is that I simply cannot accept compromise.
What did you set out to do in A 21st Century Palace and were you able to reach all the goals you set?
I wanted to share an idea… This is not a how-to book. On the contrary, it is about an established lifestyle. I would like a reader to feel that they were on a virtual tour of this palatial residence. Almost as if one were a special guest, standing in the center of each room, being able to absorb all the various elements used in creating these interiors, and to recognize the design discipline required to achieve an aesthetic harmony of this caliber.
I think that even though there was definite global momentum before Ex Arte, there is no question that this book opened new doors, spearheading my company across continents. Today, you could literally box the compass; we are really now working around the globe.
What is the definition of a palace to you?
As a teenager, I visited the Palatine in Rome, for the first time. There is nothing quite like a first time. The word “palace” takes its name from the Palatine. One can only imagine what it looked like in the hay-day of Rome and Empire, with the great villas elevated above the Forum, looking down on the teeming city below.
This might be a stretch, but, I believe that the word “palace” today, means something similar. Exclusive. Rarified. Refined. Above and away, removed from the general populous. These are the luxurious residences of the privileged and super-rich.
As defined in A 21st Century Palace: “Today’s palace might just as frequently take the form of sprawling high-rise penthouses surrounded by a moat of security: the gatekeeper is the concierge, surveillance cameras are the new palace sentries.”
How can palaces differ for people with contrasting tastes yet still remain palaces?
I think the modern day equivalent in diverse taste is easily qualified. It is no different to Louis XIV, building the magnificent Château de Versallies, and George III remodeling what is present-day Buckingham Palace. They are totally different in feel. And yet both reference Majesty.
Palaces will always differ because of taste. Some will qualify based on magnitude alone. There will always be the contemporary faux-Versailles, money ill-spent, examples being the Saperstein Ego-Trip in Bel Air, and the Siegel Monstrosity in Tampa, FL.
Juxtapose these taste casualties with the Annenberg’s flawless Sunnylands in Palm Desert, showcasing refined American Luxury. Proof that quality is never an accident – it is the ability to know where and what is the very best.
How would you distinguish private palaces such as the one you feature in A 21st Century Palace compared to government-owned palaces (we guess anyway!) such as Buckingham Palace?
I’ve had dinner at Buckingham Palace on several occasions, and grand it certainly is. But if you really take it apart – it is really quite garish. We grow to revere these historic buildings, but in fact, many of them are not all that tasteful.
I am confident the reason is simply that there have been too many fingers in the pot. These grand edifices have grown over the centuries and reflect ever-changing fashions. Buckingham Palace is a perfect example of this. In contrast, the Palace that I have created is one clear concept. It is the undiluted taste of a signature style and an aesthetic collaboration with clients, with whom I share a mutual respect.
We understand you have worked with the Royal family before; we are working on a review now with the BBC on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. We remember you telling us you worked with the Queen Mum-have you worked with Queen Elizabeth or had contact with her?
I’ve never had the privilege of being presented to Her Majesty, The Queen. Although, we have been feet apart at Royal Ascot. She has an aura that is almost impossible to describe.
It was a great privilege working for the late Queen Mother. Frail toward the end, she remained extremely gracious, like most of the elderly Royals. Our paths crossed because of our spiritual commitments to the Anglican Church. For the dinner, which Her Majesty commissioned at St. James’s Palace, I designed over-scaled floral table centerpieces – inspired by her coronation crown. It was a most memorable commission.
How do you take calculated risks when designing and when do you know something would be "too much"?
I like to think the risks I take, are educated. I live by the edict “when in doubt, don’t” - believing that restraint magnifies impact. Over-design is something I try to avoid. A perfect example of this discipline is Le Corbusier's 1931 masterpiece, the Villa Savoye on the outskirts of Paris.
Would you like our readers to know anything about your upcoming books which we believe incorporate palaces further?
This is the first of five books. The second is already being photographed for a Fall publication next year. It will cover a major project that I am currently designing in Jerusalem. The remaining three will include projects in Japan, Shanghai, and lastly, but not least, America.
In this book you said you requested a color change in Hermes chairs-when you see something that can be improved upon, how do you go about it?
Why not seek perfection? I personally challenge myself every day. Why not challenge the master craftsmen of our age? This is not nature we are questioning. These are not the “lilies of the field” in their perfection. I believe we are all capable of rising to the occasion when encouraged, and producing the exceptional.
What are your tips for Manhattan dwellers with lots of interests and little space in terms of design?
I am a modernist. I really believe that a contemporary approach to a Manhattan apartment is the answer to achieving volume. I am not talking about the icy-cold variety. I do love transparency. I love mirrors (with some moderation, of course). Mirrors used with a confident hand immediately introduce reflection and a sense of infinity. And let’s not forget the glamour quotient.
How did Mr. Willoughby contribute to A 21st Century Palace? [Note: Mr. Willoughby is a canine]
I am very much the Edwardian parent – responsible, but frequently absent. The result is that when I am with him, I spoil him horribly. It is interesting how this little mite takes center stage in my life. He is the perfect distraction… I can’t imagine being without him.
Your soirees that you host are legendary. What are the keys to a smashing event and where do you get your party inspirations from?
For the record, I am not an event designer. What I am is an interior designer who has very definite ideas. I hire wonderful professionals to execute my vision. F
rom a very early age, I have loved to entertain. I happen to always enjoy my own parties. I think that this is possibly a key to the success of these events. Once the first guest steps over the threshold, I relax and automatically enter “party mode.” If there were any disasters beforehand, they are immediately brushed under the carpet.
You coined the term "Functional Opulence" we believe, meaning beautiful yet functional as well but feel free to correct us-is this correct and have you coined any new terms lately?
You are correct.
The writer, Jorge Arango, recently coined the term “distilled luxury” when defining my work. He really gets me.
Roric is becoming quite the protege we understand; what should the world know about him?
Roric is a remarkable young man, with more than his share of intelligence. A Yale grad, this Ivy-Leager has been part of my company for the past ten years, and now is deservedly Vice President. Without him, we would be totally incapable of handling the global contracts proliferating our desks. An elegant man with a discerning eye - groomed to be a major player. He is an integral part of Geoffrey Bradfield Inc.
What are your favorite photos from your photo albums and why? We love love LOVE photos.
My photo albums are the equivalent of personal diaries, and are a record of my life. They document the decades of friendships, milestones, travels, and treasured memories. I wouldn’t know how to begin to single out favorites. I share your love of photographs.
You said you'd love to work on The White House; if Peachy is ever elected President we'll grant your wish. What would you like to do to The White House?
I am so proud to be American - you would be hard-pressed to find a more patriotic citizen. How wonderful it should be to receive fortune’s smile! Obviously, one would only be decorating the private quarters of these worthy occupants. I would really want to encourage the use of American contemporary art. I think it would be very exciting to introduce the best of our time into these hallowed quarters.
Has The Bradfield Ordinance happened yet? [See Mover and Shaker interview if you have not yet memorized it...]
Quel domage – non.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I am such a fatalist, born with abundant optimism. For me, the glass has always been half-full. It’s not as if it’s always been easy. Believe me, the challenges have equaled the accolades. I am one of fortune’s few, born in sync with my psyche. I’ve never wanted to live in another era. In my mid-sixties, I am able to look back on a life which has been quite magical. A South African childhood. School in England in the 60s, “Swinging London.” America in 1967 at the height of the Flower Culture, Haight Ashbury, and the Summer of Love. The 70s in Johannesburg, the Golden Era. Arriving in New York in 77, Studio 54, and the disco era. The Reagan 80s, and excesses. The worldly 90s and its sophistication. The Millennium and the Advent of Technology. And now Globalization. I truly have so much to be grateful for.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?