Streamlined Style: London’s Art Deco

The city of London is bursting with 1920s and 1930s Art Deco architecture blending streamlined modernity with elegant and bold geometric forms. Our guide, Stephen Benton will take us on a digital journey spotlighting some of London’s notable examples of this glamorous style. We will explore the history and design of Palladium House, built for the European subsidiary of the American Radiator Company. This striking building was designed as a scaled-down version of the American Radiator Building in NYC (now the Bryant Park hotel) featuring the same black granite facing with gold accents. We will also look at the former London Transport Headquarters at 55 Broadway close to St. James’ Park.  Designed by Charles Holden, the building was the tallest office block in London in 1929, and its innovative design and sculptures are celebrated as one of the most significant Art Deco designs in the city. The Art Deco style always was associated with industrial progress and modernity. London’s first city-center air terminal—the Imperial Airways Terminal—was built in 1939 as the office headquarters as well as the entrance to the special train platform at Victoria Station. Thousands of ticketed passengers flying from Southampton airport would first pass through this London building to catch a train to their flight.  The terminal encapsulates the forward-thinking spirit of the era, reflecting the burgeoning age of air travel with its sleek, aerodynamic design. Our journey will also encompass Peter Jones Department Store on Sloane Square, a remaining example that demonstrates how the Art Deco style influenced retail spaces, combining both functionality with the era’s characteristic stylish aesthetics. Lastly, we will examine the Art Deco transformation of the older Savoy Theatre. Known for its luxurious and streamlined design, the theatre exemplifies how Art Deco style also permeated the world of entertainment, adding a touch of glamour to the performing arts scene.