Lighting the way with Art Deco

The success of several impressive Art Deco rings at McTear’s most recent Jewellery Auction has highlighted the enduring popularity of the Art Deco style. Art Deco has experienced popularity since its inception in the 1920s. In recent years, Baz Luhrmann’s adaption of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F Scott Fitzgerald - set amidst the extravagant opulence of the 1920s - served only to advance the trend. Just this year, the exhibition entitled ‘Ocean Liners: Speed and Style’ at the V&A, has further bolstered the popularity of the ‘extravagant motifs’ of Art Deco. Art Deco pieces can now be spotted in contemporary homes, furniture stores, and world-famous museums alike. The V&A is just one of the many collections across the world sporting impressive collections of screen-worthy Art Deco furniture, with textiles, figure groups and furniture, ranging from quirky tea services to extravagant dressing tables.

Handsome bronzed figures in the Art Deco style are generally eye-catching and often attractively posed on marble bases. The upcoming April Works of Art & Furniture Auction at McTear’s features some shining examples of beautiful Art Deco lights which combine the striking beauty of the bronzed figure with the additional artistry of light. Marrying the functionality of furniture with the splendour of a work of art, how better to embrace the beauty and drama of Art Deco than with lighting?

Lot 1645 features a bronzed spelter figure of a kneeling lady, posed holding a bowl containing a frosted red glass shade modelled as a flame. The concept of female figures holding a lamp are characteristic of the Art Deco movement, however, the eye-catching flame shades of the lamps certainly provide a little extra special spark. Similarly featuring a striking central glass flame, lot 1666 features two kneeling ladies, sitting opposite from one another across the centric flame light shade. With very attractive auction estimates below the £100 mark, these fashionable Art Deco lamps are likely to prove popular when they go under the hammer on 27 April.

If you are keen to embrace the Art Deco aesthetic on the interior design front, there are an array of Art Deco wonders featured in the upcoming Works of Art, Medals, Militaria & Furniture Auction. Maybe the attractive Art Deco style oak bedroom suite offered at lot 1624 will tickle your fancy. Including an impressive wardrobe, tallboy and a pretty dressing table, this suite has an eye-catching estimate of £300 - £400. Also of Art Deco design are the incredible set of six walnut chairs offered at lot 1621. These chairs embody the Art Deco aesthetic and have a stunning visual impact. These chairs would make a fashionable addition to any space, and with an auction estimate of £600 - £800, are sure to attract competition when they go under the hammer on 27 April.

April looks set to be a stellar month for Art Deco, and this is just a taster of the Art Deco treasures on offer at McTear’s this month.

To view the full McTear’s Auction calendar, click here >>