Between the mid 1920's and 30's the world was recovering from the devastating effects of one war and racing towards another. Flappers danced the Charleston, flattened their bosoms and dangled long cigarette holders from their Cupid's bow lips. The first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, opened in New York; in England Edward VIII abdicated; in Egypt Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered, and in France the Art Deco movement was born.
Art Deco Movement - What is Art Deco?
Art Deco is the name for the decorative arts of the 1920's and 30's in Europe and the United States. It came into being in Paris in 1925; its name loosely coined from an exhibition called 'Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes'. The emphasis of the exhibition was to encourage the creation of a new decorative style adapted to the needs of contemporary life and on individuality and fine workmanship. This was the age of the machine and the streamlined, symmetrical style of Art Deco with its use of materials such as plastics and enamels, reinforced concrete and a new type of glass called vita-glass, perfectly mirrored the times.
Art Deco Movement - Art Deco in New York
Art Deco drew its inspiration from many sources, including cubism, the Tutankhamen tomb treasures, and American Indian art, especially the Aztec temples. The last two influences are particularly noticeable in architecture. In the United States the Empire State Building is world famous for its pyramid-like structure and in the multi-arched dome of the Chrysler Building the Aztec influence is particularly dominant. Hotels like Le Parker Meridien in New York use an Art Deco theme in their guest rooms and suites. The style is alive and well.
Art Deco Movement - Art Deco in Paris
In the 1920's Paris led the world in style and fashion and some art historians say the Art Deco movement was largely initiated by fashion designers who were heavily influenced by a visit by the Russian Ballet when it came to Paris for the first time. The explosion of brilliant colour and bold design led to a completely new style - one of bright colours and sharply defined lines . Head-hugging cloche hats were worn with huge fur collars. The new 'tailored' dresses sported large chromium buttons. Dangling earrings were enormously fashionable - they went well with the new shingled or bobbed hairstyles. Fabulous works in glass were created by Lalique. The look was new, different and daring.
Art Deco Movement - Art Deco in London
In London there are also some fine examples of Art Deco architecture, although not in the same manner as the soaring skyscrapers of New York. The BBC building in Portland Place was completed in 1932 and was described as parting the road "like a battleship floating towards the observer". Another gem is the basement of the Strand Palace Hotel where the stairs are lined with Art Deco lights and there's a beautifully designed ceiling light. They've even maintained a pure Art Deco style in the washrooms.
Some of the best Art Deco design went into the building of factories like the Hoover building in Perivale, just outside London. Its brilliant fan-shaped windows go round corners and the main entrance hall is particularly splendid. Although it is no longer a factory it is a protected building and remains in perfect condition - probably one of the best Art Deco buildings in London.
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