Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.
The Queen Mary is arguably one of the finest examples of the art deco style. Her salons, from the original air vents to intricate woodcarvings to hand-cut marquetry mosaics, are physical examples of the aesthetic philosophy behind the art deco style—so it naturally makes sense that Her Majesty hosts the Art Deco Festival every year.
This year, the festival will be celebrating its Tin Anniversary—not quite the precious metal one would expect for surviving any endeavor for ten years—as the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles (ADSLA)-sponsored event will welcome guests from both Long Beach and abroad.
John Thomas, President of the ADSLA and the man behind overseeing the Conservation Master Plan for the Queen Mary, said the ultimate goal is to allow those who visit to experience the ship as she was when she was in active service. This includes the event’s signature re-activation of the Queen’s Starlight Club, where they bring out tables and decorations from the liner’s historical closet to recreate the club that didn’t stop dancing until the wee-hours of the morning. And while the club may not be operating until sunrise like its famed history claims it did, it will be open until 2AM for visitors.
Festival goers can bring on their art deco A-game with class (the black-tie Grand Deco Ball will feature not just the finest clothes but the best live big band music happening in Long Beach) or casualness (the Pajama Jam encourages those partaking to sport their best period PJs—though we’re admittedly unsure precisely what art deco jammies are all about) or just good ol’ curiosity. As long as you’re a fan of the old-school style that was birthed between the World Wars, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
The festival will also not be limited to the Queen as Thomas has organized a double-decker deco tour of Long Beach, highlighting the city’s rich history in art deco architecture. Having already co-authored a book on the subject matter, Thomas will discuss how, due to the 1933 earthquake, multiple buildings that were destructed had their facades restored to the streamline moderne, or what we call art deco, style.
A little party never killed nobody.
The 10th Art Deco Festival will take place from August 28 through September 1. Day Passes start at just $25 and an all-inclusive weekend Grand Passport is $399. Art Deco aficionados can stay onboard for the festival’s duration. For more information, schedule of events and full program details visit www.queenmary.com/events/art-deco-festival/ or call 877-342-0738.
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