During the early years of the 20th Century, the decorative style we now call Art Deco was commonly referred to as 'elegant or ultra-modern.' It was simply the modern style of the day.

The art deco era is loosely considered to be from 1920 thru the 40's, but continues today in various forms. Art Deco became widely popular following the 1925 L'Exposition des Art Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris and from which its name was ultimately derived. During its heyday, deco inspired design was used on almost everything ranging from architecture, automobiles, fashion, furniture to appliances. By the late 1930's when most of Newport's Deco was built, it was in its streamlined phase. After World War II, the International Style, devoid of all decoration, held sway. Not until the late 1960s did people begin to rediscover it and take it seriously.

Art Deco expressed all the vigor and optimism of the roaring twenties, and the idealism and escapism of the grim thirties.

Art Deco motifs and themes include:

• Geometric shapes - representing the machine and technology which it was thought would solve all our problems.

• Sunbursts and fountains - representing the dawn of a new modern age.

• Symbols of speed, power and flight - the exiting new developments in transport and communications.

• The Skyscraper shape - symbolic of the 20th century.

• The new woman - revelling in her recently won social freedoms.

• Breaking the rules - cacophonous jazz, short skirts and hair, shocking dances.

• Ancient and regional cultures - there was a fascination with the civilizations of Egypt, central America, indigenous cultures and regionally inspired design.