Art Deco Decadence
It is the year of 1925, Paris, France and the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes has just finished and the World is waking up to a brand new International design movement - Art Deco.
As each country took on its own slant of this new design it wasn't long when architecture reflected this new design. It also worked its way into Art, Design, Advertising, Theatres and Hotels and I believe that in hotels my fascination for Art Deco started.
I was working in one of London's top 5 star hotels, The Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. I remember seeing a painting outside the Great Room depicting people ice skating and from that I found out that it had indeed been an ice rink where The Grosvenor Canadians played and won their league in 1933/34. I soon found out that other hotels, The Park Lane and Claridges with it’s amazing lalique collection in the La Fumoir bar all had an Art Deco history.
Art Deco with it's sleek strong lines, curvaceous curves, articulate arches, the Charleston, dazzling jewellery and sophisticated cocktails had taken root.
It wasn't long before I started collecting various pieces of Art Deco, small items in ceramic and glass.
When I relocated to Brighton my passion for Art Deco was ignited by being surrounded by the most beautiful buildings, even some of the bus stops are in an Art Deco style but it was the Ocean Hotel and the jaw dropping and fascinating De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea that captivated my heart and my mind.
Slowly my home became a shrine of Art Deco Decadence from lighting to furniture and even more ceramics, glass and bookcases to accommodate my increasing desire for Art Deco books from around the world.
It wasn't long before I took my first steps into the world of Interior Design and to live my Art Deco Decadent lifestyle.
The roaring 1920's and 1930's are as vibrant and alive as ever.