Art Nouveau became the most unique 'Complete Artistic' era. Architects, designers & artists of this period took design into the future, moving forward by getting their inspiration from the natural/botanical world; nothing was repeated from the design history of the past. Brussels is known to be the capital of Art Nouveau to date.
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| Art Nouveau a Bruxelles |
What was easily noticed with the new style was......
long curved lines
feminie portraits
poppies
lillies
dragonflies
flowing curls
wispy trails of hair
Symmetrical patterns
Swirling frames
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Feminine art by Alphonse Mucha
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| Designs included long stems on flowers such as poppies,lilies & roses with a modern twist |
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| Symmetrical design frame |
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| Art Nouveau poster |
I want to introduce you to some of the Belgian Architects,Artists and Designers of this period, and I have chosen Victor Horta, Gustav Serrurier-Bovy, & Philippe Wolfers. Below are links of other's who influenced the Art Nouveau during this time......
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Victor Hortainfluenced at a young age of 12yrs old by his Uncle who was a builder. Yet he delved into studying music, but he was 'booted' out for his bad behaviour! Victor then decided to approach the Department of Architecture, and that's where it all began. He loved the use of iron and glass and these are evident in all his building designs. His passion for Art Nouveau style transformed Brussels i.e.houses, hotels, department stores & a hospital to name a few. He became a Baron for his field of Architecture. Many of his great building commissions were.... |
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| Top L: Interior space in the Tassel House Top R: Horta's own residence Bottom L: Utilising iron & glass (Horta museum) Bottom R: Maison Du Peuple, Brussels |
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Gustav Serrurier-BovyGustav Serrurier-Bovy was very much into the Art & Crafts movement, like many others he did not want to see mass production stemming from the Industrial revolution and therefore keeping the 'skills of creativity' unique and alive was important to the movement. Gustav was influenced by William Morris a British craftsman, and therefore went to London to become a designer in furniture incorporating the modern style. He returned to Brussels and opened furniture shops there and in Paris. |
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| Top: Cabinet designed by Gustav Bottom: Complete bed unit & full length mirror
who took over their father Louis's trade & profession as a goldsmith. Philippe was influenced initially by the Japanese art,using bamboo,fans and flowers in his earlier designs of jewellery in silver. Philippe progressed into sculpting and was a reputable glassware designer for the glass company Val Saint Lambert. One of his glass designs (below) the 'Crepuscule Vase', featuring a bat in several layers of crystal was most unique. The introduction of flowers such as orchids, fuchsias, freesias and cyclamens were designs he applied to silverware collections and therefore he played a very important part in the Art Nouveau in Belgium. Philippe crossed paths with Victor Horta who designed his headquarters. He went on to design in the Art Deco period. |
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Top L: Staircase Top R: Vases by Calm water designs - Stephanie Young Bottom L: Dinning Chair Bottom R: Modern curved ceiling/ wall system |
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