The Art Deco period, which emerged in the early 20th century and reached its peak in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, was a highly influential period in the history of design. This movement, which was characterised by its emphasis on bold geometric shapes, rich colours, and a sense of luxury and glamour, had a significant impact on the decorative arts.
Art Deco marked a departure from the more traditional styles that had dominated the preceding decades. In particular, the movement rejected the highly ornate and decorative styles of the late 19th century, such as Art Nouveau and the Arts & Crafts, in favour of a sleeker, more streamlined aesthetic.
This shift in style was a response to the changing social and cultural landscape of the time. With the rise of the machine age and the increasing pace of modern life, designers and artists sought to create works that reflected the speed and energy of the modern world. The Art Deco movement was a celebration of the new technologies and materials that were emerging, and it sought to capture the dynamism and excitement of the age.
New materials and techniques redefined the possibilities of decorative art design. Ceramics, in particular, were transformed, with designers experimenting with glazes and surface treatments to create works that were unlike anything that had come before. Similarly, moulding was employed to produce era-defining pieces with intricate and delicate shapes in iridized and opalescent glass.
Perhaps most importantly, the Art Deco movement had a lasting impact on the way we think about design and aesthetics. Its emphasis on modernity and functionality, as well as its celebration of luxury and glamour, set the stage for the many design movements that would follow in the decades to come. From mid-century modern to postmodernism, designers and artists continue to draw inspiration from the Art Deco style and its legacy.