When restoring period features originally moulded in an Art Nouveau style (c.1883 ‒ 1914), or when taking inspiration from this style for a new build, it is important to ensure every element of interior design is considered. This includes ensuring that a historically accurate and precisely installed Art Nouveau ceiling rose is incorporated into the project as one of the aesthetically pleasing finishes.
Read on to learn more about Art Nouveau as an art style and how to identify a ceiling rose in this style through its features, as well as about our process for the creation of plaster ceiling roses. Alternatively, you can contact us if you would like to start discussing a design to complete your building or renovation project as soon as possible.
The Origins and Characteristics of Art Nouveau
An international style known by many names, including Modern Style, Jugendstil, and Stile Liberty, Art Nouveau was first established as a deliberate reaction against the academic art, eclecticism, and historicism of architecture and decorative styles of the 19th century. One of its major objectives within this stylistic shift was to break down the distinction between the arts that were considered “fine arts”, particularly painting and sculpture or applied arts.
The term “Art Nouveau” was first used in the Belgian periodical L’Art Moderne to discuss the work of the artist group Les Vingt, and popularised by Franco-German art dealer Samuel Siegfried Bing upon the opening of his gallery, Maison de l’Art Nouveau, in 1895. However, examples of the style predate usage of the name, and the style itself was influenced by a range of different sources across Europe, each of which varies from location to location.
For instance, the style in Britain had its origins in the Arts and Crafts movement and the floral designs of William Morris, while in France the style was influenced by the architectural theorist and historian Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and his theories on rationalism. These were derived from his study of mediaeval art and suggested the idea of nature’s logic being the model that architecture should be based on, and that architecture should adapt itself to man’s environment and needs.
Viollet-le-Duc also promoted the use of modern materials and technologies, which also defined the style, as Art Nouveau often made use of iron, glass, ceramics, and later concrete to create unusual forms and to expand spaces.
The most remarkable ornamental characteristic of the Art Nouveau style is its undulating asymmetrical line. These often took the form of floral elements, such as flower stalks, buds, and vine tendrils, but could also be used to create other delicate and sinuous natural materials and features, such as insect wings (particularly those of butterflies and dragonflies). The lines formed would either be graceful and elegant or infused with a powerfully rhythmic or whiplike force, otherwise known as “whiplash lines”.
The second phase of Art Nouveau, following 1900, saw a shift towards purer decoration and more stylised lines. Curving lines and forms evolved into polygons, before becoming cubes and other geometric forms. This began the formation of the Art Deco style and led to the trend toward modernism.
Crafting Art Nouveau Ceiling Rose Designs
Our dedicated and experienced craftsmen have worked for many years to provide bespoke ceiling rose designs for properties across London and the UK. If you wish to restore ceiling roses originally crafted in the zenith of Art Nouveau’s popularity, down to the finest detail, or would like to adorn the ceilings of a newer build with classically ornate elements, we will be able to provide the finished design as a bespoke request.
We will often make use of computer-aided design (CAD) technology to prepare the moulds in our workshops. When this process is not used, the designs will instead be modelled by hand by one of our specialists. Both of these practices ensure precision accuracy in the finished piece, and all models will be presented to the property owner or manager for approval before any manufacturing is carried out.
As well as taking careful consideration of our customers’ needs and specifications, we also make it our objective to offer the widest range of both modern and traditional plaster services. This includes providing pieces in fibrous plaster and lath or plaster mouldings, as well as lime plaster and rendering for exterior work on properties.
For Quotes on Bespoke Decorative Plasterwork
If you would like to receive an estimate for finely-crafted ceiling roses in an Art Nouveau style, or to place an order, please contact our office today. We are more than confident that we can provide a bespoke order that matches the centrepiece design you require for your property, no matter the complexity of the model.
Whether your project calls for a faultless reproduction of a piece first moulded in 1895, or if you wish to bring ornate influences of the period to a modern property, our craftsmen have the tools and skills necessary to ensure the work is completed. They will be fully prepared to assist in any way possible so that your request always matches your specifications.
You may even find a piece similar to the work you wish to achieve set out in our existing projects. We invite you to explore these to find inspiration or get in touch with us once you know exactly what is needed to fit the requirements of your restoration or building work. Our staff will be able to provide you with your quote as soon as this is done.