Art Nouveau

A highly decorative style of art and architecture, Art Nouveau was based largely on naturalism and organic imagery, and was popular in Europe and the USA from the 1890’s through to World War I. In Britain its development was greatly influenced by the work of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Among the best known examples of the style is the illustrative art of Aubrey Beardsley, the printed fabrics of Liberty of London, and the stained glass of Louis Tiffany, in particular, his lampshades. Although the style had died out by the 1920’s, like its successor, Art Deco, it has recently enjoyed a revival and become highly collectable.