Whether its a quick flick through period images whilst looking for inspiration or your bursting to extend your knowledge of one of the worlds most prolific and longest enduring design movements here is some some suggested authorititive reading material.
Benton, Charlotte, Benton, Tim, and Wood, Ghislaine (ed.), Art Deco 1910-1939, London, V&A Publications, 2003 This lavishly illustrated book is the most comprehensive on the style. Sections deal with the sources of Art Deco, the Paris exhibition of 1925, travel and transportation, Hollywood and its global spread. Contributions by international experts world-wide.
Wood, Ghislaine, Essential Art Deco, London, V&A Publications, 2003 Visual overview of the key themes and iconography of the style, with carefully selected illustrations. Good introduction to the subject.
Lussier, Suzanne, Art Deco Fashion, London, V&A Publications, 2003 Encompasses the fashion of the roaring twenties, from sport outfits and daywear to beaded evening dresses and accesssories. Wide selection of fashion illustrations, photogpraphy and objects.
Samuels, Charlotte, Art Deco Fabrics, London, V&A Publications, 2003 A detailed overview of the innovative textiles produced during the 1920s and 1930s. Illustrations are drawn from the comprehensive V&A collection of Deco textiles.
Duncan, Alastair, American Art Deco, London, 1986 A study of American Art Deco in all media including sculpture, architecture, furniture and product design. Also assesses the work of the key artists and designers. Fully illustrated.
Hillier, Bevis and Escritt, Stephen, Art Deco Style, London, 1997 A comprehensive overview of the style reflecting its global spread and taking into account the changing perspectives of the style in recent years.
Dufrène, Maurice, Ensembles mobiliers: Exposition internationale de 1925, Séries 1, 2, 3, Paris, 1925; London, 1989 and 2002. Introduction and caption by Alastair Duncan. This classic work reproduces plates from original volumes first published in 1925 to illustrate the rooms furnished for the 1925 Paris exhibition. The detailed documentary captions and contemporary images provide an invaluable primary source on the style.
Raulet, Sylvie, Art Deco Jewellery, London, 2002 A comprehensive overview of the key Art Deco jewellers. Wide selection of illustrations.
Bayer, Patricia, Art Deco Architecture: Design, Decoration and Detail from the Twenties and Thirties, London, 1992
Bayer, Patricia, Art Deco Interiors: decoration and design classics of the 1920s and 1930s, London, 1990 Both books offer a very wide selection of illustrations of Deco architecture and interiors from all over the world with an informative text.
Mandelbaum, Howard and Myers, Eric, Screen Deco: A Celebration of High Style in Hollywood, New York and Bromley, 1985 Extensively illustrated, this book provides an fascinating source for the study of the Deco style in Hollywood film.
Arwas, Victor, The Art of Glass: Art Nouveau to Art Deco, Windsor, 1996 The most comprehensive book on the subject, with a good range of illustrations.
McCready, Karen, Art Deco and Modernist Ceramics, London, 1995 Information overview of ceramic designers and manufacturers between 1919 and 1939.
If you fancy something a wee bit lighter.....don't forget Miller Antique Guides........one of the easiest reads to pick up and put down!
Enjoy!
Peter