Art Deco in the V&A Design Tour

From Clarice Cliff’s bold ceramic patterns and shapes to Egyptian-inspired fashion accessories celebrating ‘King Tut’ mania, Art Deco design has never shied away from modern materials or strong geometrical lines. Understatement is certainly not a word which can ever be associated with this distinctive and striking decorative style. Flourishing during the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco design quickly captured the eyes and ears of the whole wide world. Synonymous with the Machine Age and Modernity, this new medium embraced the demands of the people for severe functionality and sophisticated glamour.

Using the V&A’s vast collection of exhibits as a lavish backdrop for our museum exploration, we will not only trace the origins of Art Deco design but also have a look at the movement’s best expressions via the medium of ceramics, glass, sculpture, jewellery and fashion. Highlights of the tour include a large ceramic frieze depicting the history of pottery throughout the ages, stunning bijous crafted by the ‘Architect of the Jewel’ as well as a bronze relief and silver fire basket associated with a scandalous ménage à trois that set the tongues of society on fire during the Roaring Twenties.