Monday, December 12, 2016

ART DECO NEW ZEALAND - An illustrated guide


Art Deco New Zealand: An illustrated guide
By Terry Moyle
Published by New Holland
Hardback, $40.00

 “Art Deco has definite connection with New Zealander’s sense of identity. The degree to which this is historic is debatable, but it does provide a way to engage with an authentic and elegant part of New Zealand culture.” – Terry Moyle.

This eye-catching new book offers a national perspective on New Zealand’s mid-twentieth century Art Deco heritage and explores its impact on the appearance of many of the country’s towns and cities. Buildings of famous locations like Napier and Hastings are of course considered, but the accessible guide also brings to our attention the extent of Art Deco built heritage in small-town New Zealand, from as far north as Kaitaia to Invercargill in Southland.

Author Terry Moyle undertook extensive research in consultation with historians, councils and museums to identify the best places in New Zealand to find intact examples of Art Deco built heritage.

The book’s generous use of detailed illustration also brings back to life buildings that have since been lost or extensively changed. Created by Terry and his partner at Contour Creative Studio, Rosie Louise, these evocative illustrations sit alongside historic and contemporary photographs and make for an aesthetically impressive collection and an absorbing browsing experience.

Art Deco New Zealand includes over fifty illustrations of New Zealand’s Art Deco post offices, picture theatres, hotels, petrol stations and other commercial buildings as well as illustrated maps. The book provides a fascinating and useful overview of a significant part of New Zealand’s culture that can be discovered while travelling in the North and South Islands.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry Moyle is a professional artist and writer. His first non-fiction book, Art Deco Airports: Dream designs of the 1920s and 1930s, was published by New Holland in 2015. Terry collaborates with illustrator Rosie Louise as Contour Creative Studio, based in Kaiwaka, north of Auckland. The pair has an established presence as providers of Art Deco-related art, illustration and design both in New Zealand and internationally.

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