The period recognised and defined as the Art Deco period was 1925 through to 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. This lead to elegant designs that were very streamlined with stepped forms and sweeping curves. These have been used to great effect in stunning Art Deco Mirrors.
But why is it called “Art Deco”? It was not called Art Deco in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The Art Deco term comes from a exposition that was held in Paris in 1925, the exposition being named “Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes”. The actual term Art Deco however did not become the prevalent term to describe this style until 1968 when art historian Bevis Hillier released the book Art Deco of the 20s and 30s”
The Art Deco style lost its popularity during the tough times of the 1940’s as it became to be linked with extragavent luxury. It has had a revival since the 1980’s. This was when graphic design was starting and art deco, because of its mathematical geometric shapes, was easy to create using computers.
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.
Other cities with stunning Art Deco buildings are Valencia, Havana and Rio De Janerio.
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