Art Deco Britain Buildings Of The Interwar Years

Welcome to a journey through the architectural wonders of Art Deco Britain, a period that epitomized elegance, modernity, and progress in the interwar years of the 20th century. The Art Deco movement, which originated in France in the 1920s, quickly spread across Europe and influenced a wide range of artistic domains, including architecture.

Art Deco represented a departure from the traditional, grandiose styles of the past, embracing clean lines, geometric shapes, and ornamental designs. This architectural style flourished in Britain during the period between the First and Second World Wars, leaving behind a legacy of stunning buildings that still captivate us today.

One of the iconic Art Deco landmarks in Britain is the Daily Express Building, located in Manchester. Designed by Sir Owen Williams and completed in 1939, this striking structure showcases the characteristic features of the Art Deco style. The building's exterior features bold horizontal and vertical lines, large windows, and decorative motifs in a futuristic and streamlined design that truly stands out.

Art Deco Britain: Buildings of the interwar years

by Elain Harwood (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	54860 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages

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Another noteworthy example is the Hoover Building in London, which was constructed as a factory for Hoover Ltd. in 1932. Designed by Wallis Gilbert & Partners, this building showcases a beautiful blend of Art Deco and Modernist styles. Its striking exterior façade features intricate brickwork with contrasting colors, rounded corners, and elegant vertical windows, creating a sense of sophistication and style.

The Midland Hotel in Morecambe, designed by Oliver Hill and built in 1933, is a seaside gem that perfectly encapsulates the Art Deco spirit. With its curved lines, symmetrical composition, and decorative elements, this hotel exudes an air of glamour and luxury. Its stunning interior boasts a combination of bold geometric patterns, polished surfaces, and lavish materials that create a truly opulent ambiance.

An often-overlooked gem of Art Deco architecture in Britain is the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff and opened in 1935, this building is a masterpiece of modernism. Its striking white exterior features clean lines, curved surfaces, and large windows that allow natural light to flood the interior. The De La Warr Pavilion is a perfect example of how Art Deco can blend with modernist principles, creating a harmonious and visually stunning structure.

Art Deco architecture also had a significant impact on residential buildings in Britain. One such example is the Isokon Building in London, designed by Wells Coates in 1934. This residential block was created with the aim of providing affordable, modern living spaces. Its distinctive white exterior, curved lines, and large windows make it a standout example of Art Deco residential design.

Art Deco Britain was not limited to grand structures; it also influenced practical buildings such as cinemas. The Gaumont Palace in Birmingham, later renamed The Odeon, is a prime example. Designed by Harry Weedon and opened in 1931, this cinema showcased the epitome of Art Deco glamour. Its façade featured elaborate decorative motifs, impressive vertical fins, and a grand entrance, making it a place of spectacle even before stepping inside to enjoy a film.

Art Deco architecture in Britain not only left behind stunning buildings but also redefined the urban landscape. The movement's influence can be seen in public buildings, private residences, and even in the design of furniture, fashion, and graphic design. Its legacy continues to inspire architects and designers today, reminding us of an era that embraced sophistication, elegance, and progress.

In , the Art Deco buildings of interwar Britain offer a captivating glimpse into a period of architectural innovation and elegance. The movement's unique style, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and ornamental designs, continues to enchant us today. From grand structures like the Daily Express Building and the Hoover Building to hidden gems like the De La Warr Pavilion and the Isokon Building, these buildings showcase the lasting legacy of Art Deco in Britain. As we continue to appreciate and preserve these architectural marvels, we honor the creativity and vision of the architects who shaped the urban landscape of the interwar years.

Art Deco Britain: Buildings of the interwar years

by Elain Harwood (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	54860 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages

FREE

The definitive guide to Art Deco buildings in Britain.

The perennially popular style of Art Deco influenced architecture and design all over the world in the 1920s and 1930s – from elegant Parisian theatres to glamorous Manhattan skyscrapers. The style was also adopted by British architects, but, until now, there has been little that really explains the what, where and how of Art Deco buildings in Britain. In Art Deco Britain, leading architecture historian and writer Elain Harwood, brings her trademark clarity and enthusiasm to the subject as she explores Britain's Art Deco buildings.

Art Deco Britain, published in association with the Twentieth Century Society, is the definitive guide to the architectural style in Britain. The book begins with an overview of the international Art Deco style, and how this influenced building design in Britain. The buildings covered include Houses and Flats; Churches and Public Buildings; Offices; Hotels and Public Houses; Cinemas, Theatres and Concert Halls; and many more.

The book covers some of the best-loved and some lesser-known buildings around the UK, such as the Midland Hotel in Morecambe, Eltham Palace, Broadcasting House and the Carreras Cigarette Factory in London. Beautifully produced and richly illustrated with architectural photography, this is the definitive guide to a much-loved architecture style.