British art deco architecture: our love with civic and domestic buildings of the 1920s and 1930s

From hotels, restaurants and tube stations to apartment blocks, offices, picture houses and lidos, the British public fell in love with Art Deco architecture of the 1920s and 1930s and embraced it whole-heartedly. This lecture considers a selection of iconic Art Deco buildings both in our capital city and around Britain, exploring our continued love affair with one of the most fascinating of architectural styles. Although numerous modern-day pastiches exist today, this country is still rich with original examples of this ‘architecture of luxury’. The architectural features and impact of such buildings as Du Cane Court, Claridges and Embassy Court in Brighton will be considered This lecture willl explore the development of this architectural style within the context of its social and economic environment and how, during a challenging interwar period, Art Deco architecture promoted such great civic pride as well as such luxury for its personal clients. And of course, we will continue our love affair with Battersea Power Station following its recent restoration.

Lecturer: Pamela Campbell Johnson – Pamela Cambell Johnson is an art consultant and lecturer. Recently curated a collection for the Lansdowne Club. Over 30 years of lecturing experience to undergraduates, adult groups, and to Friends and Patrons of the Royal Academy of Arts as part of the Adult Education Department’s Academy. Work experience also undertaken at Bonhams, Art Loss Register, and National Trust.

Image & source: Midland Hotel, Morecambe – Wikipedia courtesy Brain Ledgard