This retro drinks
trolley is an item in typical art deco style. This design style originated in
Paris in 1920s and became popular internationally. Art deco was very
influential in many areas of art and design, and can be particularly seen in architecture
today including: the spire of the Chrysler building in New York and in many
buildings in Napier –an area known for its art deco architecture style.
A main characteristic of this style is the
use of geometric shapes. Miriam Kramer
talks of stark,
geometric shapes influencing architecture, furniture, and fashion worldwide. She
goes on to further described how “everything was geometric and cubic” (Kramer,
44).
This trolley demonstrates this, its construction
features two rectangular trays connected by two large, contrasting circular
bars connecting each side together. Hearst describes art deco as evoking “a certain elegance but also
possess distinct lines and a bracing symmetry a reaction to Art Nouveau's
flowing curves” (“Art Deco”, 36).
The form of the trolley combines these simple shapes and appears as a clean and
symmetrical unit.
The materials and
colours used in this item are typical for art deco style. Use of monochrome is
common for this style and is shown in this drinks trolley; its colour palette
consisting solely of black and silver, both colours have a metallic sheen
whilst contrasting. These elements are very prominent in the art deco movement;
“Art Deco also
incorporates a lot of contrasts, such as color palates of chrome and cobalt
blue, and crystal and black Clean shapes and elegant lines are emphasized.” (The Masters Lodge: Mastering the Art of
Relaxation, 2012) Clean lines are
apparent in this drinks trolley as its smooth surfaces allude to a simple
elegance using modern design and a metallic colour, which is often seen in
products using expensive materials.
Works Cited:
Kramer,
Miriam. (2003). Art Deco. The Magazines
Antique, 163 (3), 44
(2012, April 25). Art Deco. Town & Country, 166 (5379), 36
The Masters Lodge: Mastering the Art
of Relaxation. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.masterslodge.co.nz/hawkes_bay/art_deco_style/art_deco_style.htm
