I was never a hugely successful theatre designer. I painted a lot of scenery and did the lighting, and my lighting business grew out of that.

I'm terribly fastidious. I like symmetry and neatness, but my house is as chaotic as any other family's.

I spend a frightening amount of money on books.

A great deal of energy is wasted in hating people, and I can honestly say I've no wish to expend such a precious resource on being outraged about anyone.

Architecture was pretty much the sexiest thing to be doing from 1700-1800.

I've got a farm in Somerset, and I think it's God's own country. I love it.

I'm driven by issues, not driven to be political.