News And Events

Art Deco Chicago: Designing Modern America

Join The English-Speaking Union and ADSNY for an engaging illustrated talk that will highlight Chicago's role in bringing revolutionary modern design to the American marketplace.  Focusing on the critical period from the 1930s to the 1950s, Bruegmann explores issues of design and aesthetics within the larger social, economic, and cultural context of the period. His talk discusses the ways in which the city's industries, advertising firms, and mail order companies advanced modern design on the local, regional, and national levels. In addition to seeing how stunning Art Deco towers set trends for skyscrapers throughout the country, highlights of this presentation include iconic decorative arts and industrial designs for products such as Schwinn bicycles, beautiful Deco radios by Motorola, streamlined coffee makers from Sunbeam, an entire universe of products from Sears and Montgomery Ward…and more!

Through engaging photographs of many relatable objects such as these, we will see how innovative designs, coupled with the power of Chicago's  manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, led to the mass production of affordable, state-of-the-art products featuring a new urban-inspired  aesthetic that furnished public and private spaces across the United States.

Robert Bruegmann is a distinguished Professor Emeritus of Art History, Architecture, and Urban Planning at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is a historian of architecture, landscape, preservation, urban development, and the built environment. He is the  author of numerous books and articles including The Architects and the City:  Holabird & Roche of Chicago 1880-1918Sprawl: A Compact History; and The Architecture of Harry Weese. Most recently, Bruegmann was editor of the Chicago Art Deco Society's 2018 publication, Art Deco Chicago. He is also a frequent lecturer, contributor to magazines and blogs and guest on radio and television shows.

Monday,April 8, 2019

6:30 p.m.

The English-Speaking Union

144 East 39th Street,
New York City

$20 for ESU National Patrons

$25 for ESU Members

 $35 for Non-members

ESU National Patrons are invited to enjoy a private champagne reception with Mr. Bruegmann in the Executive Director's office at 6 p.m.


Click here to register online or download the paper registration form here. 

 

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