After the First World War, the designers who came to prominence were inspired by the revolutionary artworks of Picasso, Braque and Matisse. Turning their backs on the conventional styles of the past, the celebrated the power and speed of the machine age, often combining stylised, geometric motifs with patterns taken from Aztec, Egyptian, African or Oriental sources.

The new style came to public attention in 1925 at L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Decorattifs et Industriels Modernes. Staged in Paris, it was the first major exhibition of the decorative arts to be held after the end of the war. The exhibits clearly heralded a new movement in the arts, and the exhibition gave the new style its name: Art Deco.

From the mid 1920’s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Art Deco epitomised all that was glamorous and modern in contemporary design. It was this style that Hollywood embraced during its golden age. Film sets, publicity photographs and the luxury goods that surrounded film stars were invariably Art Deco in spirit. Even the picture palaces built around the globe to display Hollywood’s films were embellished with Art Deco motifs.

Today the work of Art Deco designers is admired for its beauty, energy and imagination. These inspiring qualities are mirrored in the sophisticated design of this hand finished Art Deco style chess set, making it an exceptional gift for players of all abilities.