Art Deco is an art movement that became popular after World War 1. The first appeared with the World Exhibition in 1900 but came popular from 1920 onward. Like most architectural styles it is a combination of styles (Arts an crafts movement, Machine age style as well as Neo Classisism)
The style is characterized by rich colors, geometric shapes and stylized ornamentation. The interwar period was a time of reconstruction of war torn Europe. Industrialisation asked for a new architectural style. Art Deco is known for its bold geometric lines, strong symmetrical form decorated by bold organic sculpture. Rectilinear rather than curving lines to suit the new machine age and the requirement to be able to mass produce.
Initially the new faith in world peace and technology, it represented glamour and luxury to the new middle class.
In South Africa every town will have its Art Deco gems. The mid town of Worcester is no exception. Take time out to explore the Art Deco wonders in your area.
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