Art Deco

The art deco spire of the Chrysler Building in New York, built 19281930

City Hall in Buffalo, New York; John Wade with George Dietel, built 19291931

Terracotta sunburst design above the front doors of the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles; Claud Beelman, 1930 Art deco is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and jewelry, as well as the visual arts such as painting, graphic arts and film. The term "art deco" was first used widely in 1926, after an exhibition in Paris, 'Les Annes 25' sub-titled Art Deco,[4] celebrating the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Dcoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) that was the culmination of style moderne in Paris. At its best, art deco represented elegance, glamour, functionality and modernity. Art deco's linear symmetry was a distinct departure from the flowing asymmetrical organic curves of its predecessor style art nouveau; it embraced influences from many different styles of the early twentieth century, including neoclassical, constructivism, cubism, modernism and futurism] and drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Aztec forms. Although many design movements have political or philosophical beginnings or intentions, art deco was purely decorative. Art deco experienced a decline in popularity during the late 1930s and early 1940s, but had a resurgence during the 1960s with the first book on the subject by Bevis Hillier in 1968 and later an exhibition organised by him in Minneapolis in 1971. It continued with the popularization of graphic design during the 1980s. Art deco had a profound influence on many later artistic styles, such as Memphis and pop art.

[edit] History
After the Universal Exposition of 1900, various French artists formed an informal collective known as La Socit des artistes dcorateurs (the society of the decorator artists).[7] Founders included Hector Guimard, Eugne Grasset, Raoul Lachenal, Paul Bellot, Maurice Dufrne, and Emile Decoeur. These artists greatly influenced the principles of Art Deco as a whole.[8]

This society's purpose was to demonstrate internationally the evolution of the French decorative arts. They organized the 1925[9] Exposition Internationale des Arts Dcoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Art) in Paris,[10] which would feature French art and business interests.[8][11] The terms style moderne and art deco both derive from the exposition's title,[3] though the term art deco was not used much until popularized by art historian Bevis Hillier's 1968 book Art Deco of the 20s and 30s.[1] During the summer of 1969, Hillier conceived organizing an exhibition named Art Deco at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts,[12] which occurred from July to September 1971. After this event, interest in Art Deco increased with the publication of his 1971 book The World of Art Deco, a record of the exhibition.[13]

[edit] Sources and influences

The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes.[14] It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. The ability to travel and archaeological excavations during this time influenced artists and designers, integrating several elements from countries not their own. Among them were historical styles such as Greco-Roman Classicism, as well as the art of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt,[14][15] Aztec Mexico, and Africa.[5] Art-deco design influences were expressed in the crystalline and faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism.[18][18] Other popular themes of Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes,[15][19] which can be seen in many early works. Two great examples of these themes and styles are in Detroit, Michigan: the Fisher Building and the Guardian Building.[20]

[edit] Attributes
Art Deco was an ornamental style, and its lavishness is attributed to reaction to the forced austerity imposed by World War It was suitable for modern contexts, including the Golden Gate Bridge, interiors of cinema theaters (a prime example being the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California) and ocean liners such as the le de France, Queen Mary, and Normandie. Art Deco was used extensively in the United States for railway stations during the 1930s,[21] designed to represent the modernity and efficiency of railway trains. Around the world, a number of amusement parks were constructed with inter-war art-deco architecture, of which surviving examples include Playland (New York) and Luna Park Sydney.[22] Art Deco used many distinctive styles, but one of the most significant of its features was its dependence upon a range of ornaments and motifs.[5] The style is said to have represented the cultural politics of its time, with eclecticism having been one of its defining features.[5][15] In the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the distinctive style of Art Deco was developed by 'all the nervous energy stored up and expended in the War'.[5][23] Art

Deco has been influenced partly by styles such as Cubism, Russian Constructivism and Italian Futurism,[15] which are all evident in Art Deco decorative arts.[8]

[edit] Materials and design

Art Deco is characterized by use of materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, lacquer, Bakelite, Chrome and inlaid wood.[10][14][15] Exotic materials such as sharkskin (shagreen), and zebra skin were also evident.[10][15][19][24] The use of stepped forms and geometric curves (unlike the sinuous, natural curves of Art Nouveau),[14][25] chevron patterns, ziggurat-shapes, fountains, and the sunburst motif are typical of Art Deco. Some of these motifs were ubiquitous for example, sunburst motifs were used in such varied contexts as women's shoes, radiator grilles, radio and clock faces, the auditorium of the Radio City Music Hall, and the spire of the Chrysler Building.

* Cochise County Courthouse doors, Bisbee, Arizona, 1931. Architect: Roy W. Place

[edit] Latin America [edit] House design in the United Kingdom

During the 1930s, Art Deco had a noticeable effect on house design in the United Kingdom,[15] as well as the design of various public buildings.[10] Straight, white-rendered house frontages rising to flat roofs, sharply geometric door surrounds and tall windows, as well as convex-curved metal corner windows, were all characteristic of that period.[32][58][59]

to this address: info@artdecocollection.com

Rare and Exquisite French sofa suite by Paul Follot

Item #1578 We seem to be running on a little luck today! Presented here is a wonderful suite by master decorator Paul Follot. We just finished this perfect restoration, respecting the original design and using a wonderful rich brownish-gold velvet-mohair fabric. The subtle contrast of matching gimp brings out the stunning lines of the suites frame and design. Place close attention to the floral rosettes on the top and detailed wood skirt with quite unusual leg and foot treatment. These are all elements seen in the work of Paul Follot from the period (circa 1925). Some say this represents the first high period of true Art Deco (and from the strongest French tradition). This 3 piece set could create a stunning room, both for its intimate design and sophisticated splendor. Very comfortable: of course and ready for your personal period of true high Art Deco! Measurements: Sofa overall 54"W x 32"D x 31"T back seat 26"D x 43"W arm 26"T chair overall 31"W x 32"D 29"T back seat 22"D x 19"W arms 26"T Paul Follot, 1877 Paris 1941 SainteMaxime French decorator and crafts designer, was an Art dco traditionalist. From 1901-1903 he designed silver objects, textiles, bronzes and jewelry for the Paris gallery La Maison Moderne, run by the German art dealer Julius MeierGraefe 1899-1903 in Paris. In it MeierGraefe sold contemporary and, like Siegfried Bing in his gallery, L'Art Nouveau (1895-1904), promoted the spread and popularity of the new Art nouveau style. The designer Maurice Dufrne, whose work exerted a strong influence on Paul Follot, also worked for Meier-Graefe. Paul Follot's early designs

reveal the influence of Neo-Gothic, with foliate motifs predominating. In 1903 a little known - group of artists joined forces as "L'Art dans Tout" and Paul Follot was a founding member. This group vociferously supported French crafts traditions since artisans felt threatened by the inexorable advance of industrialization, especially by the rapid rise of German industrial design. From 1904 Paul Follot worked as a selfemployed designer. A more reticent and classical style began to show up in his work from 1910 and in this he was following the general trend toward Art dco. Throughout his career, Paul Follot designed silver for Orfvrerie Christofle, textiles for Cornille et Cie and carpets for Savonnerie. In 1911 the English Wedgwood company commissioned designs from Paul Follot for their china. In 1923 Paul Follot became artistic director of Au Bon March. From 1928 Follot was one of the directors of the Paris branch of the English furniture company Waring & Gillow.

Unusual original pair of French salon chairs in the style of Paul Follot
Item #1576 Offered here today is a fantastic shape and original design of French club or side chairs, sometimes referred to as salon chairs. Not your typical boxy modernist streamline art deco chairs. These have a beautiful curved back, interesting shape with unusual carved arms, a detail often seen in the work by the French artist Paul Follot. We did change the seat fabric (original was worn out) to a nice blending ultra suede, but were able to keep all else original throughout, a kind of African inspired modernist repeat animal print. It is not often possible to do this, but I bought them planning to restore them with this in mind. We have done a nice refreshing on the wood finish, tightened the original copper springs and replaced most of the French nails to create a consistent color all over. It is really a treat to find French fabric like this and be able

to preserve the original design and intention of these beauties. They are ready for another 50 years. Circa Measurements: 37" T x 30" D x 29" W

Stunning Art Deco Tub Club chairs

Item #1569 A wonderful design, great wood treatment and a style of seating we do not find often enough. Spectacular Macassar side panels in a solid wood frame. The fabric is new, but has a great retro feel, a sort of soft tweed in solid burgundy leaning with a slight red accented with outstanding contrasting gimp piping. It just sets the whole thing off. Photos do not do them justice, so you might just have to fly into the shop and take a seat. Cushy feel and nice size, not to large, but very luxurious with a wonderful lush down stuffed loose cushion seat. We were fortunate enough to find 4, so if you have a the kind of room where you can use 4 chairs in one area then Great. We are selling them in pairs until they are gone. Measurements: 25.5" W x 27" T x 27" D

Art Deco Chair Fit for a King

Item #1531 This is a custom made chair taken from an original set we once had. It is truly fit for a king. Very comfortable and slightly over-sized. Beautiful mohair seating in both rich burgundy and creamy yellow. Great American movie theater kind of chair. Just sit back, relax and begin the evening in this lush soft, cozy chair. Martini's anyone? Measurements:

43" W x 36" D x35" T (cushion 22" t)

Spectacular French inspired Mustache Club chairs

Item #1490 First time we've tried to re-create these wonderful French style club chairs. Inspired from a chair I found many years ago in France, these beauties have all of the impact, feel and comfort from the kind of chair you would LOVE to sit in. This is specially chosen leather (of the highest quality) and antiqued by hand, produced to give that wonderful aged glaze look you only see in old chairs. The great thing about these chairs is this: although they have been slightly reliced, the leather is not cracked or in a state of ruination as you typically find in old original leather club chairs. Completed with a mohair seat (which is an authentic detail) and antiqued brass nails heads. Also, notice the detail of the leather front feet, again something you rarely see in old chairs or new. The size is great and I am sure you can imagine these in your private viewing room or just in viewing your private fireplace. They are sold in pairs and right now we have 4 pieces total in stock. Someone is going to love these, come in and try them on for size. Measurements; 37.5" T X 36" W X 30" D (seat is 18" off the ground)

Period solid carved wood framed Nouveau to Deco Settee

Item #1486 A wonderful settee, recently restored. If you have that perfect little window, or corner, this is a lovely sofa. Look at all the nice carved details in the arms (but not too much) and the wonderful stepped upward shape of the back. Even the outline of the frame stylized to

accentuates the back. Looks wonderful from the front or the back. A wonderful sofa, newly upholstered with a cream acorn motif fabric (tone on tone). Measurements: 51" W X38"T X 24" D

Glamourous Elegant Art Deco Style 3 piece sofa suite

Item #1469 Here is a sofa suite that is really special, the photos just do not show it off quite as well as should be. In any case, this is a newly reupholstered period suite, I believe from the late 1940's. Great workmanship, all pieces are perfectly upholstered in a rich bookbinder's green ultra suede. One of those colors that transforms with the light, the room and the way the nap is resting. Construction is all very well done, tight cushions with channel backs, my favorite for looks and also for longevity. This set can be as "glam" as you want to be, or as "fun" as you feel. I've never seen all 3 pieces before, we once has a single chair. I love the relationship you see to these nice sweeping angular lines of the chairs and sofa. It will really set off a room! When you sit in the chairs, they sort of "wrap you in them", the only thing missing? The dry martini or in the case of those sweet ladies we know, a little nip and tuck! Measurements: sofa: 82" W (at the top), 68" W (at the bottom), 42" T X 29" D chairs: 37" T X 29" X (at the bottom) 29" D

Hollywood Glamour Art Deco Unique Swivel Chairs

Item #1466 Offered here is our latest creation. We had a pair of these chairs a few months ago and there was so much interest in them, we decided to re-create them for those of you who missed them the first time. Of course they are identical in every way except we found some fabulous Art Deco fabric inspired fabric that takes them to another level. The wonderful "volute" style design (a kind of abstract fountain) is about the best "new" fabric we've seen in years. The contrasting creamy mohair adds that elegant touch of period and sensibility. They also swivel so I am sure you can imagine all the fun one could have sharing cocktails on a pair of these. They would be ideal for an intimate corner setting, an special bedroom or an addition to your living room set up. Just enough style and design to make a serious statement and live in the world of art deco glamour! Measurements: 31" W X 31" D X 27" T

Glamorous Art Deco Sofa & Chair suite (very sweet)

Item #1451 We are always trying to take our restored and re-upholstered sofa suites a step further. They have become a sort of trade mark here at Art Deco Collection.com. We are not shy about exploring our design ideas, just look through all of our "sold" items at the bottom of this page (lots of great ideas). This particular set is like no other one we've done before. I was inspired by a recently acquired book on European Art Deco chairs and sofas (I mean we have to get our ideas somewhere). This new idea using the oversized leather welting looks dynamic, in order to really make it comfortable to sit on, we had to insert or recess the welting

so if felt natural as you leaned back sipping your dry martini! No problem here! We are using some of the highest quality materials here, great mohair with some of fines leather skins we are able to buy. We do not spare any cost in these restorations. Of course we love the "tight" cushion seating and the oversized round arms, which not only look great, but you can flip your legs over the size and melt back into either the chair of sofa. Another little detail is the leather channels on the lower front bands of both the sofa and chairs. Its all here for you to enjoy "for a lifetime". Measurements: Sofa: 86" W x 36" D X 30" T x 17" T at the seat Chair:40" W x 32" D x 30" T X 17" T at the seat

Very Unique Art Deco Fainting Couch Sofa

Item #1441 A wonderful original and restored Art Deco sofa. A real visual treat. The piece was lovingly restored! Please take note to see the beautifully inlayed abalone and mother of pearl inlay in the wood, executed in a kind of modernist pattern (not random for sure). Someone originally took care to design this with the utmost care and use of fine materials. This newly reupholstered piece has a dynamic fabric that certainly will draw your attention not only to its unique and exquisite shape, but also offers an point of view that would be hard to find anywhere else. This one of a kind piece is looking for just the right home and just maybe you are the right person! Measurements: 76" L x 27" W x 42" T (tallest point) 21" T from the ground

Original Art Deco Bar stools

Item #1415 Part of the hunt is to always be looking for original art deco bar stools. I never give up on this (almost impossible to find good ones). As you know we even produce our own stool, which you can check as item #1154 under seating. Well I got lucky and found 4 original stools, of course I did have to change the upholstered tops (they were not very nice). So you know here you have 4 originals, not huge in size, but very stylized, circa 1930's. Original black lacquer wood legs with nickel plated brass hardware. No butts about it. Measurements: 32" T X 12" W X 12" D

Art Deco Vanity Stool

Item #1408 Here's a glamorous vanity stool made of beautiful and rare dark palisandro root wood with a cushion upholstered with creamy white leather. The stool features a rotating top which reveals a practical storage area below for cosmetics, magazines, remotes, or your favorite night cap etc. Additionally, this precious little stool would be just as perfectly at home utilized as a foot rest or extra seating in the living area of your home. Measurements: 19.5" T X 18.5"W

Art Deco Barstools

Item #1154 Art Deco barstools - period. Made with rosewood and gleaming chrome streamline hardware and accents. The two-tone (brown/cream) leather seat cushions are both beautiful and very comfortable. They're upholstered in a supple medium brown and cream colored leather. These fetching barstools with strong deco design are built to last. They measure 32" in height and the seats are a very stable and comfortable 15" in diameter.

1930s Art Deco Czech Chrome & Leather Chairs Pair

Item #835 Here's a stunning pair of 1930s Czech Art Deco chrome and leather chairs. They've been re-upholstered in a nice mattefinished black leather with multiple button details. They're very comfortable and have a truly wonderful modern look. The Measurements: 22-1/2" Wide X 25" Deep X 34-1/2" Tall The seat measures 19-1/2" W X 15-1/2" Deep

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