Art Deco, which essentially was an extension of the decorative Art Nouveau, developed in the Twenties, giving rise to the construction of a variety of buildings including the Centre for Fine Arts, private mansions, town houses and even the first apartment buildings. Drawing on multiple different sources of inspiration, the more geometric Art Deco became the epitome of luxury and refinement. This style conveyed the values of a middle class that celebrated its freedom after the unimaginable violence of the Great War. These were the Roaring Twenties, the jazz age, an era marked by a general loosening of morals and movement and speed, with the arrival of trans-Atlantic travel, cars and even the first airplanes.00At the same time, Modernists argued in favour of a more rational, pared down architecture, which allowed for greater freedom of style and which was more likely also to meet the pressing demand for more housing after the war.00This book discusses the personality of several key architects through a variety of architectural programmes, as well as giving an overview of an exciting era and offering readers some keys to identify the heritage that lines the streets of Brussels.0.

Brussels can claim to be the Art Nouveau capital of Europe. This is the first comprehensive guide in English to individual buildings in eleven main areas of the city. For those wishing to devise their own tours and visits, there are specially-drawn maps and an index of architects and designers. A movement or design philosophy more than a precise style, Art Nouveau flourished c. 1893-1914, inspired by forms and patterns found in nature such as flowers and plants, clouds, waves, and even wisps of smoke. The influence of architects and designers rebelling against heavy Victorian conformity, spread from buildings and detailing to interior design, furniture, lighting, textiles and fittings; fine and decorative art including graphics, calligraphy, carved lettering and ceramics. The famous names are all here: Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Henry Van de Velde; and their disciples, colleagues and successors,each with a short biography as a side note to the lavishly- illustrated text.

An expertly written and exquisitely photographed study of the buildings of Victor Horta, a central figure of Art Nouveau whose work was fundamental to modernist architecture In the decade following the success of his design for the Hôtel Tassel in Brussels in 1893, Victor Horta, the creator of Art Nouveau architecture, produced more than forty buildings—and a movement. Prepared in close collaboration with the Horta Museum, Brussels, Victor Horta: The Architect of Art Nouveau discusses the many influences on Horta’s designs and his legacy. The richly ornamental style of Art Nouveau, characterized by fluid lines based on natural forms, expressed a desire to abandon the historical styles of the nineteenth century and to develop a language that was beautifully crafted and thoroughly contemporary, laying the foundations for the development of modernism in architecture and interior design. Detailed descriptions of nineteen projects representing the full range of Horta’s work—including Edicule Lambeaux, Hôtel Autrique, Hôtel Max Hallet, and the Brugmann Hospital, are illustrated with Horta’s original drawings and specially commissioned photographs by award- winning photographer Alastair Carew-Cox. Extensive photographs of Hôtel Solvay—to which access had been denied for twenty years before Carew-Cox was granted special access, in recognition of his and David Dernie’s significant contribution to the study of Horta—are also included.

Comprehensive monograph on the influential Belgian architect and art nouveau pioneer, Victor Horta (1861-1947); includes facades, floor plans, interiors, floors, furniture and fixtures.

As winter begins to fade, Queen Flora goes to her garden and awakens the flowers.

This critical survey of the Art Nouveau movement reveals the diversity of this style across the breadth of the European continent. With the inclusion of Eastern Europe and the full range of artistic media, the book shows how this movement changed the face of European art and design from Paris to Prague. Clearly structured by country, it traces the emergence of Art Nouveau, highlighting the particular interpretations of the style in each country. Countries covered include: Belgium; Spain; Britain; Austria; Hungary; and Russia. Each chapter contains sections on political and cultural contexts, specific visual characteristics and key artists and designers. It analyzes the contribution of both well-known artists and designers such as Gaudi; Van de Velde; Mackintosh; and Mucha, and brings to light many others whose contributions have been largely inaccessible. With a bibliography and glossary, this text should provide a useful introduction to this subject.

This book, views 60 years of architecture in Brussels against the backdrop of changes in society. The selection of more than 400 buildings covers a period from the severe monumental works of the immediate post-war period to those freed of all dogmatism created by the latest generation of architects. Through words and images, the reader is able to follow the development of a capital confronted by a violent phenomenon of destruction during peacetime (bruxellisation) before, under pressure from civil society, renewing with the tradition of invention as shown at the time of Art Nouveau. Today the capital of Europe, Brussels has no hesitation in inviting renowned creators to redesign emblematic elements, such as Jean Nouvel for the South Station, the southern gateway to the city, Alain Sarfati for the approaches to the Central Station, Christian de Portzamparc for the European quarter, and the Dutch agency KCAP for the Heysel plateau. The first work of its kind devoted to contemporary architecture in Brussels, the book contains inserts referring to bookshops, cafés, concert halls, walks and underground stations, etc. that can be seen as evocative of the atmosphere to be found in the city today. With its many colour illustrations, the book is divided into decades and, in addition to the photographs, includes many preparatory sketches and drawings.

Brussels 1900 Vienna examines the complex cultural networks between Austria and Belgium (1880-1930), and situates these interrelations within a wider European context. The collection covers various fields, including literature, translation, music, theatre, visual arts, café culture, and architecture.

The Story of Wales is a vibrant portrait of 30,000 years of power, identity and politics. Revisiting major turning points in Welsh history, from its earliest settlements to the present day, Jon Gower re-examines the myths and misconceptions about this glorious country, revealing a people who have reacted with energy and invention to changing times and opportunities. It's a story of political and industrial power, economic and cultural renewal- and a nation of seemingly limitless potential. The Story of Wales is an epic account of Welsh history for a new generation.