Why Art Deco?
Why not? The imagery and innovative style of the period really appeals to me!
Christmas 2020 is approaching at speed!
What nicer way to greet someone in the New Year or to this page? - Welcome
Spiders Web Perfume Bottle by Heinrich Hoffman - Czech origins - who wouldn't want one to grace their home?
Adding to Spiders Web Perfume Bottle a lovely Halloween Damsel - a popular theme in the 1920s and 30s by Bridge Tally Graphics via rookno.17
There's something about the shapes used during this period that really appeals and the use of eau-de-nil complemented in a range of colours in the pink and purple domain makes it the perfect combination for me.
I actually found this page on my web-site by doing a search on something completely different - that was a little spooky I have to say but I'm glad I came across it because I found a spelling error which I have now rectified!
Ladies!
Stanisława Welska performs an exotic dance which produces a dramatic shadow by sasha 1933
The Albertina Rasch Girls who appear in the show 'Wild Violets'. From top to bottom Inga Anderson, Nosie Dale and Vida McLain by sasha 1932
Ladies who Party!
Apparently the 'colouration process' was done circa 1948 and it's quite astonishing how the colouring process does actually change the whole feel of the original 1930s b&w image - to me the picture has lost its vibrancy and is stodgy and heavy and I think the colours are wrong - the frock would likely have been silver, possibly a pale eau-de-nil and those maroon, grey and dark blue shades are not 1930s. I believe they too could have been shades of white, grey, charcoal and possibly enhanced by the popular pink and eau-de-nil shades so beloved of the time.
1937 Exposition - Paris
International Exhibition, May to November', 1937. From The Sphere - Coronation Record Number. (The Sphere, London, 1937). © Getty Images
The GB Pavilion showcased the work of Oliver Hill and his team of the two Erics Gill and Ravilious and Marion Dorn with whom he had collaborated with on the Midland Hotel and other projects. Eric Gill created the font type for the London Underground and Ravilious interest in tennis made the sport so prominent in the pavilion created for the Paris 1937 Expo. All Pavilions are featured in the Section Etrangéres programme here
Fashion
Such style! This may merit a page of its own - let me think about that one! - Here are two of my favourite 'off colours' - not quite 'eau-de-nil' and not quite 'ashes of roses' - perfect!
Outdoor Pursuits
Original vintage poster: Female Gymnastiques, Vichy 1932, 13th Federal Competition, French Female Federation of Gymnastics and Physical Education. Designed in an Art Deco style by B. Pouzadoux, Paris, France. Sourced from the-saleroom.com
I love how the V of Vichy is utilised in the art of the time on a variety of posters and artwork.
I suppose today this would be classed as a 'wallpaper' for the computer - although I'm not a keen fan of the combined colour wave - I do like this image of lady swimmers - Papercut by LouTaylorStudio
I have dedicated a section to the Lidos, Open Air Pools, Swimming Stadia etc. as this particular outdoor pursuit was exceptionally popular in the 1930s and gave us some really stunning buildings, many now obliterated from their original sites/
Posters
London Transport produced some remarkable artwork during the 1930s - this is a particularly interesting example, designed in 1931 by an unknown American artist. It advocates travelling on the underground during the 'Bright Hours'. The poster was recently sold at auction for £14,400.00.
This London Transport poster was designed by Abram Games in 1937. London Transport's logo appeared not only on signs and leaflets, but also in many creative publicity poster designs.
London Underground
With thanks - of course to Eric Gill
Gill's Sketch for what would become the London Underground Logo remaining unchanged and being globally instantly recognisable
And some background history relating to the Underground sign
A lovely example of the finished product - underground station is opposite the Black Cat Factory
The Coronation Scot, Silver Jubilee and Mallard
As I was searching transport details I found The Coronation Scot. I didn't know this existed although I have always been a big fan of the shiny blue Mallard. Thanks to the National Railway Museum Blog for an excellent insight. As with London Transport all the train artwork is so inviting!
From l to r images of The Coronation Scot, Silver Jubilee and the Mallard trains
Kalakala (The Flying Bird) 1934-2015
The world's first streamlined vessel - now another icon lost forever!
A comprehensive history can be found on a dedicated web-site here and promotional postcards here dedicated page here
The Orient Express Renaissance
Keeping the luxury alive in this modern poster for the revitalised Orient Express
Page refreshed : 3rd September 2020 (G)