The Art Deco period was from 1925 until 1939 . Art Deco not only influenced the design of buildings and interiors but also was prevalent in fashion, paintings, mirrors and film throughout this time period.

The basis of the Art Deco style is that of recurring mathematical geometric designs. Two of the most popular patterns created were the "chevron" and "sunburst motif". These have been used to great effect in stunning Art Deco Mirrors.

But why is it called "Art Deco"? During the period in which it was originally popular it was not referred to as Art Deco. The term comes from the title of an exposition in Paris called "Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes". Although the exhibition was in 1925 but it wasn't until art historian Bevis Hillier published a book in 1968 called "Art Deco of the 20s and 30s" that the term became widely used.

The Art Deco style lost its popularity during the tough times of the 1940's as it became to be linked with extragavent luxury. Art Deco has however had a resurrection since the 1980's and has become increasingly popular due in part to the mathematical and intricate shapes that could be created using computers and their increasingly shophisticated graphic design capabilities.

Napier, which is found in the Hawke's Bay of New Zealand, has a stunning collection of Art Deco buildings. Every year thousands of people go to Napier in February to celebrate its Art Deco heritage and history.

Napier is a port city with a population of about 58,000. It is often linked to Hastings City and thus called Napier-Hastings. Napier was named after Sir Charles Napier who was a Commander-in-Chief in India was thought of as a hero after the Battle of Meeanee in the Indian province of Sindh. There is even a suburb of Napier named Meeanee after this battle.

On 3 February 1931 Napier was hit by an earthquake that flattened the town. There were 258 people killed either by buildings collapsing by fires that broke out because of the earthquake. The town centre was then rebuilt using the Art Deco style which was popular during this period of time. Interestingly Napier became larger because of the earthquake. The earthquake raised 40km squared of land.

Although some of the buildings have now been replaced, most of the buildings remain and have become recognized as unique. From the 1990's the buildings have been protected and restored to their former glory.

Napier is now regarded as one of the best preserved Art Deco towns, along with Miami Beach. The Art Deco in Napier is so unique and stunning that is was the first cultural site in New Zealand to be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Around the world other notable examples exist, particularly stunning examples are to be seen in Valencia (Spain) and Havana (Cuba).

Art Deco Style and Design

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American Art Deco $71.69 A stunning, illustrated survey of Art Deco architecture throughout America celebrates sevety-five innovative guilding that reveal not only the finest principles of Deco design but also a regional individualism that typifies the best in Art Deco style.

Art Deco Style Room $24.99 Art Deco Style Room - Photographic Print

Somerset Scenery in Art Deco Style $39.99 Somerset Scenery in Art Deco Style - Giclee Print

Somerset Scenery, in Art Deco Style $39.99 Somerset Scenery, in Art Deco Style - Giclee Print

London Art Deco (Paperback) $23.99 Stunning photographs offer a visual journey through London’s Art Deco style—from factories and underground stations to theaters and private residences This richly illustrated book offers a fascinating and detailed look at the Art Deco style, from building design to decorative detail. The Art Deco style gained prominence at the 1925 Paris Exposition, after which each nation seemed to adapt its own distinct architectural style. Less florid than the French or that of the United States, Great Britain`s buildings reflected the country`s imperial status. From the imposing style of the Savoy Hotel, through the ornate detail of the West End theaters, to Art Deco factories like the Hoover Building, they also demonstrated Britain`s love of detail. Remarkably, many of London`s Art Deco buildings still survive—their once grime-covered indigenous Portland stone now mostly scrubbed clean, beautifully displaying their many sculptural details. 

Art Deco Tiles (Paperback) $19.71 Art Deco is arguably the twentieth century`s most popular and memorable design movements. The style defined the interwar period with its clean sleek lines, streamlined shapes, bold abstract forms, and luscious colours.This book charts the impact of this daring new style on the production of tiles and architectural faience in Britain. It shows how they were made and decorated, examines the output of firms like Carter, Pilkington`s and Doulton and describes the innovations introduced by creative designers like Edward Bawden and Dora Batty.With photographs of the tiles and architectural faience, individually and in situ of buildings and homes, the author examines the diverse range of animal, floral, human and abstract Art Deco designs.

What is Art Deco

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