Image credit:
AWA, Sydney (manufacturer)
Australia 1913–
Empire State, Fisk radiolette 1936
bakelite, glass, metal
28.5 x 28.5 x 18.0 cm
Collection of Peter Sheridan and Jan Hatch, Sydney
© Peter Sheridan

Image Credit:
Kilpin Ltd, London (manufacturer)
England active (1920s)
SIÉGEL (attributed to) (manufacturer)
France est. 1867
Cloche hat on Mannequin head (c. 1925)
straw, felt and velvet appliqué (hat)
plaster (mannequin)
17.0 x 22.6 cm diameter (hat)
79.0 x 31.0 x 22.0 cm (mannequin)
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
© V&A Images/Victoria and Albert Museum, London

POSTED: 8 AUGUST 08

REVIEW

Melbourne Winter Masterpiece 2008: Art Deco 1909-1939

This year’s Melbourne Winter Masterpiece, Art Deco 1909-1939, currently showing at the National Gallery of Victoria, is a must-see for all Oz Boomers. A travelling exhibition from the Victorian and Albert Museum in London, the exhibition displays artworks associated with the Art Deco movement, looking at the period as a global spectacular.

The NGV, situated in the heart of Melbourne, is the ideal location for the exhibition. Throughout the early twentieth century, Melbourne’s CBD — with its Parisian-style sidewalks, photographic studios and Modernist architecture — was synonymous with glamour. Collins Street and the surrounding streets and laneways housed some of the most fashionable stores, such as David Jones, Myers and Le Louvre.

Art Deco is comprised of more than 300 works, from jewellery, ceramics, furniture, photography, clothing, tea sets, to the moving image. The artworks and objects on display exuded the grace, sophistication and style associated with the popular style — and there are elements of jazz, and flirtations with socialites, flapper girls and the exotic.

The exhibition contains fashionable trinkets and artworks, from delicate, jewel-encrusted cigarette holders, to colourful Bakelite wirelesses. Standouts include a spectacular “after five” designed by Jean Patou — an exquisite sequenced dress which is both a visual illusion and intricate piece of haute couture — and images of socialites by photographer Man Ray. Other highlights of the show include designer Oliver Bernard’s foyer from the Strand Palace Hotel in London, and a restored Mercedes Benz.

Art Deco 1909-1939
National Gallery of Victoria International
Until 5 October 2008

Open daily 10am-5pm (9pm on Wednesdays)
$22 adults; $18 students/concession