Art Deco and Industrial Design

 Art Deco and Industrial Design

The abbreviation “Art Deco” is used to explain the design trend that came about from the exposition and has only been used since the 60s. Within the Art Deco time period, there were two groups: the functionalists and the decorators. Both these groups went about responding to the time period, however, they did so in quite different manners.

Functionalists and Decorators

The designs of the functionalists were aimed toward mass production and focused extensively on the social good that design could achieve. These made it possible for them to emphasize the values of engineering and assembly-line construction. On the other hand, the decorators focused on crafting exquisite objects that were far more labor intensive and aimed at an elite market. Additionally, they focused on not being burdened by a belief in the redemptive obligations of art.

Art Deco – Britain

When discussing Art Deco in a country such as Britain, it is nearly impossible to overlook specific artists, including Edward Maufe. Maufe was an architect whose works had stylistic ties to English Arts and Crafts. In addition, he worked in the English Gothic style and perfected a technique to make silver-lacquered furniture. He created a piece, a writing desk, out of mahogany with silk tassels for drawer pulls. These details are closely associated with French designs, making it a feature that sets Art Deco pieces apart from strict modernists.



Traditional Design – Britain

Similar to Edward Maufe, it is impossible to overlook such a preeminent architect like Edwin Lutyens within the Industrial/Traditional Design time period. Lutyens was able to provide an alternative trajectory to the development of English modernism. This was done through his works that presented a successful incorporation of typical architectural languages.

Taking it a step further…

After reading this chapter and assessing the differences and similarities between both Art Deco and Industrial, or Traditional, Design, it fascinates me how the same place can change styles within a couple decades. It was greatly seen when learning of each style in Britain and comprehending the fact that not only does one country have more than one architectural and interior style, but more than one style can be popular within a country. 

Comments

  1. Delia T.March 16, 2024 at 11:06 AM

    Nice blog Susie. I liked that you talked about more specific parts of the Movement, such as focusing on Britain, when most of us focused on France. I also think your various tie-ins with both Industrial and Functional design were really beneficial to discussing the Art Deco.

    ReplyDelete

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