like the 20th Century
Limited, the modern
style, especially in
architecture, was soon
called “streamline
moderne”.
Because Florida,
particularly in the
southeast region
near Miami, enjoyed a
land boom in the first
half of the twentieth
century, lots of
our architecture
was labeled
“streamline
modern” –
today called
simply “art
deco”. Curved
shapes, an
aerodynamic
look, white or
pastel stucco
forms, simple
bold ornamentation
all characterize the
architectural style. Look
around and you’ll see
buildings from the historic
Art Deco Design District
in Miami’s South Beach –
to your local Publix – to
a vintage diner and the
“silver bullet” shaped
RV trailers still being
produced.
If you have a yen for the
exotic French Art Deco,
you’ll need to find these
in estate sales, high-end antiques
showrooms, and select auctions.
Because these were luxury goods
and often custom-made, you may
be able to find a signature. You
can also look for picture examples
of what you are about to purchase
Art Deco Club Chair
in Mahogany & Mohair
Postcard of the Art Deco Preservation Albion
Hotel South Beach, Miami Design District
Aerodynamic Art
Deco Streamline
Architecture. Publix,
Lake Worth, FL
from museum online
collections or the
numerous illustrated
books on the Art Deco
style.
For fun collecting
American Art Deco
around Florida,
there’s plenty to find.
Look for blue mirrors,
“Greenies” sculpted
table lamps with
“moon glass” motif,
orange green and
black geometric
designs, curved
lines on radios
and kitchen
toasters -- poke
around and
find these
collectibles,
many of which
are still useable
and just need
a quick cleanup.
Ephemera
are a great place to
start, especially on
family outings -- vintage
magazines with Art Deco
style covers, posters,
advertisements, kitchen
serving pieces, stacking
containers, cooking tools,
and postcards. Postcards
can prompt a “where is
it now” game to keep
everyone engaged during
Florida road trips - many
of the places in the old
postcards still exist even if
renovated or changed over time –
and even better, lovingly restored.
Photos courtesy of Iconic Snob Galeries
and BKG Antique Mall
62
Deco vs Moderne
Continued from Page 59