Art Deco
Understanding The Style

by Tim Sykes

It has become one of the most popular collectibles of the last decade, but many people are still unsure what it is. Lets take a closer look at Art Deco

A Brief History

It is generally agreed that the style now known as Art Deco began at the 1925 Modern Industrial Decorative Arts Exposition in Paris. Here was the first exhibit of the new modern style. The purpose of the fair was to celebrate the modern age of industry and machines. Originally known as "moderne", the term Art Deco was actually coined during a revival of the style's interest during the 1960's. The modern style was clearly a rejection of classical styles from the past, becoming a totally new style within itself. The world was looking towards the future. The First World War was over and people needed a fresh start. Industry and technology was rapidly changing people's living standards. The modern style had started in France, quickly spread through Europe and then finally began influencing designers throughout the world. Art Deco developed during the 1920's and reached its high point during the 1930's. It drew inspiration from various worldwide movements, such as Cubism, the Bauhaus, the Russian Ballet, plus Egyptian and American Indian art. It was also a response to the demands of modern products, such as plastic, concrete and vita-glass.

Art Deco Styles

Art Deco was the last total design style to influence all aspects of our lives, including art, architecture, furniture, automobiles, trains, jewelry, and clothing. From the largest of buildings to the most modest of industrial design, literally everything was made in the Art Deco style. The late twenties and early thirties Deco era was mostly a vertical, gradually stepped "skyscraper" style. In a new found quest for speed during the mid-1930's, a newer version of Art Deco began to emerge, becoming a horizontal teardrop "steamline" style. Most designers stayed true to Art Deco's unwritten rule of three, a re-occuring pattern that showed up throughout the life of the style. During the height of the Great Depression, industrialists realized that items would sell, even during hard times, if they were made to look modern. The modern style that had begun in the 1920's and was all the rage during the 1930's came to a halt at the outbreak of World War Two. The world became weary after years of conflict. They saw the world in a different light, and Art Deco suddenly seemed too opulent. After World War Two, people chose function over form, spelling the end of Art Deco. A coherent single design was never developed after Art Deco. Designers instead relied on an eclectic mixture of style influences and designs that were machine made with technology developed during the war.

Collecting Art Deco

For today's collector, there is a huge variety to choose from when they look at the world of collecting Art Deco. From high priced quality furniture to dime store treasures, practically anything can be found in the Art Deco style, and in every price range. Volumes of books about the subject are available at retail outlets. Art Deco societies have sprung up around the world, with most linked to each other to share information and fellowship. Quality antique shops have fine examples of the style for buyers to enjoy. Once again, Art Deco of the 1930's has emerged as one of the most distinctive and popular design styles of the 20th century.

Tim Sykes is a freelance writer and employee of Southworks Antiques in Cambridge, Ontario. He lives with his wife and two sons in a recently restored Art Deco house in Cambridge. He can be reached at the store at 519-740-0110 or via the internet at sykestim@hotmail.com 

Articles:   •   Art Deco: Understanding The Style   •   Antiques from a Financial Perspective

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