Appropriately presented within the Frist’s own art deco interior during the museum’s twentieth-anniversary year, this exhibition offers an overview of an international style that manifested stateside in decorative arts, fine arts, architecture, and design during the 1920s and 1930s. Featuring approximately 140 objects, American Art Deco explores the movement between 1918 and 1939 and highlights not only the glamour and optimism of the 1920s but also the impact of the Great Depression in the 1930s. An array of works, from a stunning 1925 René Lalique glass vase to a 1930 Ford Model A, will immerse guests in this period of much social, political, and cultural change.
Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, and Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska
Exhibition panels and labels
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Lurelle Van Arsdale Guild, designer (American, 1898–1985); Electrolux Corporation, manufacturer (Dover, Delaware, founded 1919). Electrolux vacuum (Model 30), designed 1937. Chrome-plated steel, aluminum, vinyl, and rubber, 8 1/2 x 23 x 7 3/4 in. Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, 2004.3466. Image courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver. Photo: Wes Magyar
Reuben Haley, designer (American, 1872–1933); Kenneth R. Haley, designer (American, 1905–1987); Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company, manufacturer (Fostoria, Ohio, 1893–1932). Ruba Rombic Fish Bowl, 1928. Glass, 8 x 14 1/2 x 14 1/2 in. Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, 2008.0521. Image courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver. Photo: Wes Magyar
Manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Detroit, Michigan, founded 1903). Model A Automobile (detail), 1930. The Dishner Family Collection, Nashville. Photo: Jerry Atnip. We gratefully acknowledge the use of photo studio space donated by Nossi College of Art.
Walter Dorwin Teague, designer (American, 1883–1960); Sparks-Withington Company, manufacturer (Jackson, Michigan, founded 1900). Sparton Bluebird Radio (Model 566), 1934. Wood, glass, and metal, 14 3/4 x 14 5/8 x 6 in. Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, 2004.1850. Image courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver. Photo: Wes Magyar
Paul Schreckengost, designer (American, 1908–1983); Gem Clay Forming Co., manufacturer (Sebring, Ohio, 1907–1960s). Punch bowl, ladle, and cups, 1938– 39. Ceramic, bowl: 4 1/2 x 12 x 12 in.; ladle: 1 1/4 x 12 x 3 in.; cups: 2 3/4 x 5 x 3 3/4 in. Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, CG0718; CG0719–CG0722; 2004.3040. Image courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver. Photo: Wes Magyar
Paul T. Frankl, designer (American, born Austria, 1887–1958); Warren Telechron Company, manufacturer (Ashland, Massachusetts, 1926–1992). Modernique Clock, 1928. Chromium-plated and enameled metal, molded Bakelite, and brush-burnished silver, 7 3/4 x 6 x 3 1/2 in. Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, Gift of Michael Merson, 2010.0670. Image courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver. Photo: Wes Magyar
Thomas Hart Benton (American, 1889–1975). Construction, 1923. Ink oil wash on canvas, 27 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, Bequest of the artist, F75-21/42. © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank Trustee/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Louis Lozowick, artist (American, born Ukraine, 1892–1973); Jacob Friedland, printer (American, active 1930s). Granaries to Babylon (Babylon to Omaha; Railroad Yards), 1933. Lithograph, 12 3/4 x 8 1/8 in. Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska, Museum purchase, 1994.20. © Estate of Louis Lozowick
John Henry Bradley Storrs (American, 1885–1956). Ceres, ca. 1928. Cast terracotta, nickel-plated, 20 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. Wichita Art Museum, Museum purchase, Friends of the Wichita Art Museum, 1987.7. © Estate of John Storrs
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