The Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th century encompassed art, architecture and interior decoration. It was most often inspired by natural forms such as the flowing lines of plants and flowers. In terms of architecture, it tended towards materials such as iron, glass, ceramics and concrete.
The first houses in the Art Nouveau style were created in Brussels in the 1890s, and later they began to appear in Paris. The movement peaked around 1900 and by this time its influence was seen throughout Europe, including Britain. There are still some beautiful Art Nouveau style buildings in the UK today.
In Britain, the style had its roots in the Arts and Crafts movement that began in the 1860s and was inspired by mediaeval craftsmanship and the work of artists and designers such as William Morris, Aubury Beardsley, Walter Crane, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Here are some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau style buildings in the UK.
The Zara building, Nottingham
10 Pelham Street and 2A, 2B High Street in Nottingham, were designed by the architect Albert Nelson Bromley between 1902 and 1905 for Boots the Chemist and are now occupied by the fashion chain Zara. The Grade II* listed building has undergone restoration work inside, but the impressive exterior facade remains close to the original design.
The shopfront consists of a glazed terracotta superstructure with a clock on the northwest corner. The cast iron columns and curved glazing at the building entrance remain intact.
Waterstones, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
The Emerson Chambers on Blackett Street was completed in 1903, and was originally a high-end restaurant with shops and office space above. It was designed by Benjamin Simpson of the architects firm Simpson, Lawson and Rayne, and is a fusion of Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture.
The distinctive ornate clock prominently displayed on the roof of the building was installed by William Potts in 1904, but wasn’t mechanised until 1965.
Former Everard’s Printing Works, Bristol
The Everard Printing Works in Bristol was built between 1900 and 1901, and bears the name of the founder Edward Everard across the front. The decorative tiled facade was designed by the architect and ceramicist William James Neatby, and features colourful Doulton Carrara ware tiles, which were selected for their close resemblance to marble.
The figurative design depicts the winged Spirit of Literature holding an open book, with the framing figures of Gutenburg (inventor of moveable metal type) and William Morris (leader of the Arts and Crafts movement that revived fine printing). In the upper section of the building is an image of a woman holding a lamp and a mirror, representing light and truth.
The Royal Arcade, Norwich
The Grade II* listed Royal Arcade in Norwich was built in 1899 and also designed by James Neatby along with the architect George Skipper. It features intricate artwork and beautiful coloured stained glass windows.
