Although most people believe art deco began in 1925 it had actually begun 15 years earlier in 1910. Mainly used in France it was not until the exposition internationale des arts decoratifs et industriels modernes (International exposition of modern industrial and decorative arts) held in Paris in 1925 that the rise in popularity of Art Deco begun. The term Art Deco itself was not used until Bevis Hillier published the book entitled "Art Deco of the 20's and 30's" in 1968.

Europe used art deco widely and by the early 30's America had also caught on to the movement. Used widely in film sets of the 30's, most noticeably the naked lady lamp. This became known as film noir, the elegance of film noir helped the resurgence of art deco in the 80's.

Architects also picked up the movement and used it when designing houses, churches, bridges and was even used in the design of the Queen Mary. As architects were often used in countries around the world it did not take long for the art deco theme to show up in places like India and South America. During the decline of art deco these structures served as a reminder of the art deco period.

Jewellery, pottery, interior decor, silverware and furniture all used the design. It's use of bold colours and shapes made it totally unique. New materials like sharkskin and zebraskin added to the unique style.

By the recession in the late 30's the design had lost it's appeal and lost favour to more modernistic designs.

It did make a small comeback in the 60's but it was in the 80's when the elegant film noir began being popular that it made a real comeback.

Today original art deco pieces are sought after which of course increases their price and as they are now over 85 years old they can truly be called Antiques.