Lecture by Mark Cousins, 5th February, 1999, (title not known).

Extent: 1 audio cassette, 4 digital files (686.7 MB )

Comprises audio recording of a lecture given by Mark Cousins on the 5th February, 1999 (title not known). The recordings consist of a Maxwell 90 audio cassette tape, 2 digital preservation files (560.5 MB, .wav format) and 2 digital access files (126.2 MB, .mp3 format). Duration of access version: Duration of access version: 54min 35sec.

Copyright: Architectural Association

Creator: Mark Cousins

Admin History: The recording is of the 8th lecture in the series entitled 'The Name of the Object', given by Mark Cousins as part of the AA General Studies programme, 1998-99. Mark Cousins analyses the idea of legitimacy by questioning examples of how our culture perceives greatness, authority and the legitimacy of judgement. He analyses examples from the actions of the Schutzstaffel, relations between teacher and student, and definitions of Modernity. Cousins then leads the discussion toward issues of legitimacy in writing and speaking. He cites Derrida's opinions on 'ownership' and the written record but instead argues that speaking has a more direct authorial legitimacy. By analysing the idea of legitimacy, Cousins remarks that the idea of post-modernism is a representation of medievalism, and that society has not progressed into a new stage but rather regressed into it.

Custodial History: Audio cassette recording was made by the AA Audio Visual Department and retained by the AA Photo Library until 2019, when it was transferred to the AA Archives.

Aquisition: Audio cassette was transferred from the AA Photo Library to the AA Archives in 2019. Digital preservation and access copies were created by the AA Archives in 2021.

Archive Note: Catalogue description by Ke Bo Tsai

Publication Note: AA Events List, Week 4, Spring Term, 1st - 5th February, 1999