What is Art Deco?

A major design force that flourished between the two world wars. It evolved from earlier artistic movements, and developed in direct response to the revolutionary changes in scientific, social and political events of the early 20th century and was generally referred to as Art Moderne. Unlike any other artistic movement, before or since, Art Deco became a worldwide phenomenon leaving its imprint on everything from buildings to bobby pins. Heavily influencing the philosophy and culture of the period, the Art Deco style spread throughout almost every aspect of life.

The term Art Deco, coined in 1966 initially referred to the French-style of decorative arts exhibited in Paris at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Since then, the term Art Deco has become a popular catch all, encompassing the many and varied forms of this design which evolved from the second decade of the 20th century to the beginning of World War ll. The Art Deco style encompasses Cassandre posters and Donald Desky furniture, bakelite radios and the Chrysler building, the fashions of Paul Poiret and the film sets of Cedric Gibbons. Art Deco Society of New York through its ambitious programming is dedicated to studying, preserving and celebrating this important hallmark of modern design through its mission statement:

The ADSNY Mission

• To foster public appreciation and understanding of the artistic expression of all aspects of Art Deco.

• To draw attention to the merits and significance of the dynamic style of Art Deco architecture, design, crafts and decoration in every way possible.

• To implement greater understanding of the aesthetic forces of Art Deco through tours, publications exhibits and community events.

• To prevent the needless destruction of important examples of the period and to help protect and preserve such examples wherever possible.

• To afford advice to owners and public authorities in regard to the preservation and repair of Art Deco buildings and the uses to which they can, if necessary, be adapted.

• To maintain and preserve archives, books, records, bibliography and all materials, literature, transcripts and documents relating to Art Deco buildings, arts, and artifacts.

   Robert Aibel, Moderne Gallery Philadelphia
   Gerald Beasley, Director, Avery Architectural Library, Columbia University
   Jim Blauvelt, Executive Director of Catering, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel 
   Andrew Capitman, Co-President of Manitoga
   Peter Davis, Greenwich House Ceramics Arts
   Barbara Deisroth, 20th Century Art Consultant 
   Michael Deskey, AIA, Architect
   Margaret Doyle, Co-President of Manitoga 
   Leonard Fox, Leonard Fox Gallery 
   Marilyn Friedman, Author and Historian  
   Marilynn Glasser, Recreation Consultant 
   David Goldfarb, Esq., Attorney
   Polly Guerin, Pollytalk From New York
   Lily Hodge, The New Jersey Historical Society
   John Loring, Design Director, Tiffany & Co.
   Arthur Lowenfish, Sr., Tishman Speyer Properties
   Frank Maraschiello, Bonham's Auction Galleries 
   Eric Myers, Film Historian
   Ronnette Riley, FAIA, Architect  
   Anthony Rimore, Associate AIA, HOK   
   Tony Robins, Architectural Historian
   Paul Romero, 34th Street Partnership
   Lowery Sims, Executive Director, Studio Museum in Harlem
   Valerie Steele, Director, Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
   John Tauranac, Author and Empire State Building Historian
   Susan Teller, Susan Teller Gallery
   Joan Tramontano, Stella Show Management
   Stephen van Dyke, Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum
   Gerard Widdershoven, Maison Gerard  
   Carol Willis, Founder and Director, Skyscraper Museum
   Sean Zalka, National Architectural Trust