This Labor Day weekend, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles [ADSLA] is hosting its 8th Annual Queen Mary Art Deco Festival. The festival draws more than a thousand attendees over the three day event, including hundreds who come from around the country.
In addition to enjoying the art and architecture aboard the ship, the festival includes lavish parties, lectures by experts, music performances, a bazaar and marketplac and tours of local landmarks that embody the art deco design aesthetic. New this year is a vintage car display.
John Thomas, President of the ADSLA, has been a valuable asset to the city, serving on the board of the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency as an advocate for preservation, and currently is overseeing the development and implementation of the Conservation Master Plan for the city-owned Queen Mary.
Nine years ago, the ADSLA approached the ship’s management team about hosting a weekend for art deco enthusiasts.
“Our objective,” said Thomas, “is to host those who come from all over the world in the unique setting of the Queen Mary, a wonderful example of the trans-Atlantic ocean liner art deco style of ships form the 1930’s. Her salons and public settings allow those who come aboard to relive the era and influences of the art deco period. Our goal is to allow those attending to experience the Queen Mary as many others did during her active years as an ocean liner.”
From original air vents to monumental hand cut marquetry mosaics, the ship exemplifies the art deco design philosophy in every detail.
“My favorite room,” Thomas admitted, “would be the original 1st class restaurant known today as the Grand Salon. That room contains examples of fine woods, light fixtures, art and a sense of elegance. It is a real home run.”
Thomas is no stranger to the many art deco buildings in the City, and even co-authored a book, with Suzanne Tarbell Cooper, on the subject. He will be leading a guided tour of notable buildings.
“The Lafayette [on the south east corner of Linden and Broadway] stands as a wonderful example of the period of ‘modern’ architecture in Long Beach,” Thomas explained. “Due to the 1933 earthquake, the city was rebuilt, and buildings’ facades were restored in the streamline morderne, or art deco, style. Many local architects embraced the new style as well.”
Thomas’ guided tours have proved very popular, and one is already sold out. Tickets to individual events, and weekend packages, can be found at QueenMary.com.
To learn more about the ADSLA or to participate in their many local events, visit ADSLA.org.