Exactly what we look for in an Art Deco building. Clean lines and plenty of light were important aspects of the design. Very reminiscent of a ship, I always think. I would love to live somewhere like this.
Is there any more evocative style than the one we know as Art Deco? It is immediately recognisable for its elegant lines, swirls, geometric shapes and high contrasts in both colour and texture.
A Tiffany lampshade
After appearing in the first decade of the 1900s, Art Deco actually only reigned supreme until the early 30s, but in the popular imagination it conjures up everything from the Titanic to Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective and his obsession with symmetry.
The Seven Stars pub in Earls Court, London. Unfortunately it looks as though it needs a little TLC.
We can still see Art Deco architecture and design all around us. From the smallest ornament for the front of a car to a massive block of flats, they share these characteristic lines of simplicity and brightness.
The iconic Chrysler building, once (and briefly) the tallest building in the world, built towards the end of the era.
It wasn’t just buildings or home decor that got the Art Deco treatment. This is a BMW R7 motorbike from 1934. Even I’d be interested in this! I can almost picture Dottie riding pillion with William.
Another Art Deco house, this time in Florida
another lamp
Even railway marketing adopted some of the principles of Art Deco, leaving plenty of clear space and using statement images.
Aaaargh, Blasphemy. Spinach and rust!! Art nouveau was glorious. It was intricate and delicate not fussy and cluttered. All the sinuous curves of nature rather than the blandness of Beachy Head. But oh, the delights of Louis Comfort Tiffany and of Rene Lalique, perhaps there’s room for us both after all.
Hugs
I think there’s a definite crossover at the point where Arts and Crafts meets Art Deco. And of course, I would never say such awful things about Art Nouveau – it was THEM! definitely room for both – probably in the same drawing-room!