Sunday in the City - The glory that is art-deco (1)

Art-deco derived its name from the Exposition des Arts Deorators et Industrials Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. The style symbolised a new mechanical streamlined age, utilizing new materials such as steel and plastic. Art-deco motifs were particularly favoured for the interiors and exteriors of distinctly Twentieth Century buildings such as the cinema, the skyscraper and the pub.

Sydney has a large collection of Art-deco inspired buildings from the late 20s to the early 50s. With a guide from the 20th Century Society of NSW, I became acquainted with some.


This is the fenestration of the City Mutual Insurance Building on the corner of Hunter and Philip Street. Designed by Emil Sodersten it was completed in the second half of the '30s. It is clad in Hawkesbury sandstone above a polished granite base. It has unusual zig-zag windows which are hinged around a tall central tower and designed to allow as much light as possible into the building and reduce the heat load.

The foyer is now the home of Neil Perry's Rockpool.

A member of the Sunday in my City community.