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.
Art Deco is primarily based on mathematical geometric shapes. 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 term actually came from the title of an exposition in Paris called “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”
Art Deco became unpopular in the 1940′s because it was regarded as gaudy and was linked to 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 one of the best preserved Art Deco towns in the world, the only place of a similar status being Maimi 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.
Stunning Art Deco building are also to be found in Havana (Cuba) and Valencia (Spain).
