Art Deco London by Franco Pfaller
Below a review by Lachlan Finlayson of my new book ‘Art Deco London’.
You can also find the review on Lachlan’s Substack account here: https://lachief.substack.com/p/book-review-art-deco-london-by-franco
From the publisher’s description of this book.
The Art Deco style flourished in Britain during the 1920s and 1930s. London became the heartland of this elegant and modern style, and in the metropolis today you can still see this interwar heritage in its buildings. Many of these buildings have become some of London’s favourite landmarks. In ‘Art Deco London’, photographer Franco Pfaller has recorded the huge variety of Art Deco buildings still to be seen throughout London. Look through these photographs and you will quickly see the appeal of this stylish era of the 1920s and 1930s in the metropolis.
Lachlan’s Review
There have been numerous books over the years about Art Deco buildings in London. There have been significant changes in the cityscape impacting these buildings in recent years. Some changes such as renovation, restoration and repurposing of long-vacant buildings are welcomed by Londoners, especially those who appreciate the Art Deco era and cherish what remains today. Other changes, including physical deterioration, long vacancies, abandonment and some unsympathetic repurposing are not so positive. The arrival of this new book, offering a fresh look at the Art Deco buildings of London is therefore welcomed.
As someone who lives in London and enjoys Art Deco architecture, it is a book that provides inspiration to go out, take advantage of London’s public transportation to visit the building photographed in this book. To see the well known ones, perhaps with tasteful restorations and to visit new ones; less well known, but nevertheless attractive, exuding the charm and design of the Art Deco period a hundred years ago.
The book provides photographs of well over a hundred buildings. Some such as Battersea Power Station and the Hoover Building are well known. Others, such as Tube Stations and my local Richmond Station are known of course, but perhaps less appreciated as distinct examples of Art Deco architecture. Then there are other more obscure buildings, places no longer used for their original purpose; some once repurposed as Bingo Halls now fringe Churches or vacant. Nevertheless they are of interest and provide fine examples of distinctive architecture worth seeing and perhaps worth saving.
The author provides a brief description of each building. Basic information such as the year of construction, architect, initial owner, changing purposes over the years, key decorative features and building materials. The author adds an interesting anecdote or comment to each. Sometimes dryly humorous, sometimes social or cultural commentary, always interesting. One is a warm, personal reflection of his connection with a building I know well from the upper level of the 337 bus.
The photographs are mostly architectural, full-page compositions and display the public-facing view as seen from the street. Occasionally there are smaller photographs of particularly interesting features, external and also internal. The author has taken care visiting these buildings and photographing at certain times of the day. There is a welcomed absence of people and road transportation in many of the photographs. This may be due to photographing around dawn when a mix of natural light and artificial building light provides a particularly pleasing image, accentuating some of the charming features that are less obvious in bright daylight. I enjoyed seeing my local Richmond Station at 5.10 in the morning (if the station clock is correct !) with not a person, bus, taxi or pedestrian in sight. One particular image of the Charlton Lido is also quite memorable. Empty of swimmers, the buildings and pool illuminated by natural and artificial lighting and a wonderful reflection.
The book includes a list of the buildings photographed and a map of London showing the location of each. ‘Art Deco London’ will be enjoyed by anyone interested in Art Deco architecture. It is not a book intended to be an in-depth, academic reference. It is a contemporary, fresh look at Art Deco buildings; presented via photography and minimal text. Text that is warm, inclusive and engaging. For anyone living in London, this book will provide incentive to visit both lesser-known and well-known examples of Art Deco architecture. To renew acquaintances with some buildings that may be enjoying a new life in this ever-changing city. For visitors to London ‘Art Deco London’ is an ideal travelling companion, providing fresh photographs, basic information and helpful location details.
The author notes in the Introduction that the photographs are mainly exterior shots and suggests another book on London Art Deco interiors is a possibility. I think that is a great idea. This is one of those book, while satisfying, may leave the reader wanting more. Personally, I have an interest in bas-reliefs and other decorative features often found on Art Deco buildings. These as well as signage, lettering and fonts from the Art Deco period could also feature in a future book. I wish the author and publishers great success with this fine book and look forward to more publications on Art Deco and other design aspects of London buildings.
#artdeco #artdecolondon
Find the book here: https://your-panorama.square.site