The eclectic, International style known as Art Deco originally took its name from the 1925 Paris Exhibition of “Arts Decoratifs et Industrieles Modernes”. This exhibition had a tremendous impact on design in the 20’s and 30’s, not only in Europe but in the whole of the developed world. Communications (often symbolised by a lightning bolt ) and transport technology helped to spread new ideas rapidly, and there was without doubt a certain glamour attached to this movement and this time: think Agatha Christie, think Hollywood, the Empire State building, the Empire Cinema in Kilburn! The Great Gatsby, but not The Great Depression!

Poster design by Natalia Gontcharova for The Ballet Russes, The Russian Ballet took the cultured world by storm in the early years of the 20th century: Their exuberant dances to modern music were echoed in the new style of scenic, costume, and graphic design they used. Designers used a new colour spectrum and bold geometry to reflect the vitality of the times.

Art Deco architecture was dominated by America, and good examples still dominate the skylines of many American cities: The Chrysler building (1930, New York) symbolises optimism and celebration of industry,capitalism, and success. It is a highly ornamented soaring structure, sheathed in expensive, shiny, chromed steel, and designed to reflect the streamlined patterns of Chrysler automobiles. This was the era of Jazz, and the “American Dream”. America was seen as the land of opportunity where fortunes could be made and everyone could achieve a high standard of living: Although the reality was somewhat different, advertising and the Hollywood machine promoted the good life for all.

Clarice Cliff ceramics ( English, 1934 ). Minimally decorated, strongly geometric, and quite restrained for this designer, who was better known for her exuberant and strongly coloured work. She was influenced, in part, by the colours and designs of the Russian Ballet. She also designed a range of pieces called “The Age of Jazz “, featuring musicians and dancing couples. Cliff died in 1972, and her work is still extremely popular.

As in other disciplines, the “Zeit geist” ( spirit of the age ) was reflected strongly in textile design for carpets, rugs, curtains, and wallcoverings. Designs were influenced quite strongly by modern movements in Art, such as Cubism and Constructivism, and artists like Leger and Dufy also produced textile designs. In the U.S.A., designs were usually simpler and bolder in colour and were given names like “ Manhattan”, “American Scene”. The carpet in Radio City Music Hall in New York is composed of an abstract pattern of jazz musicians and instruments. Patterns containing lightning bolts were popular for the family radio room.

The discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1923 made the Egyptian influence predominant for a time: This clock is designed to resemble a Pharaoh’s crown, and the numerals are stylised to resemble hieroglyphics. One building was described as “making King Tut’s tomb look like the old family burial vault”.

Fashion played an important part in Art Deco, particularly the work of French designers such as Cartier and Lalique. Eastern influences were apparent, inspired by the phenomenal success of the Russian Ballet led by Sergei Diaghilev and his famous dancer, Nijinsky. Exotic clothing, jewelled accessories, and rich decoration and materials were much in evidence. This vanity case was made by Van Cleef and Arpels ( an exclusive French jewellers ). It is carved from lapis lazuli, a precious blue stone, and is dotted with diamonds. The sun-rays are rock crystal and the motif resembles an Egyptian Pharoah’s head-dress.

Deco exploited expensive materials and focused more upon the ornamental value of items than their usefulness: This statue serves no purpose but a decorative one. The figure is expressive of speed, dynamism, and travel / communication. These were key themes of the era. Aero and rail engineering had discovered the concept of “streamlining ”, that is, shaping products to reduce wind resistance, and this became a style feature in Art Deco.

This copper and brass clock - case shows some streamlined styling, reminiscent of a railway carriage of the time.

Furniture designs often used bold assymetric geometries and starkly contrasting colours. Here, expensive lacquered finishes and highly polished chromed panels are combined to decorate a very simple cabinet. With a large round mirror above, this probably provided a stylish dressing table or cocktail cabinet for a sophisticated client.