The Daily Telegraph building, designed by E. A. Williams, is one of Napier's most flamboyant Art Deco structures. Completed in 1932, it exhibits many recognizable Art Deco features including zig-zags, fountains, ziggurats and a sunburst at the base of the flag-pole.
Daily Telegraph Building —
The Daily Telegraph building, designed by E. A. Williams, is one of Napier's most flamboyant Art Deco structures. Completed in 1932, it exhibits many recognizable Art Deco features including zig-zags, fountains, ziggurats and a sunburst at the base of the flag-pole.
The Art Deco Trust
The seaside town of Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, was known as the Nice of the Pacific in the early 1900's because of its mediterranean climate and tree-lined promenade. This is Hastings street, before the earthquake.
Nice of the Pacific —
The seaside town of Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, was known as the Nice of the Pacific in the early 1900's because of its mediterranean climate and tree-lined promenade. This is Hastings street, before the earthquake.
The Art Deco Trust
The town was almost destroyed by the Hawke's Bay earthquake in 1931. This image was taken on Emerson Street before a subsequent fire caused even more destruction. Thousands of people across the district were injured and 161 people in Napier died.
Earthquake Devastation —
The town was almost destroyed by the Hawke's Bay earthquake in 1931. This image was taken on Emerson Street before a subsequent fire caused even more destruction. Thousands of people across the district were injured and 161 people in Napier died.
The Art Deco Trust, Napier
After the earthquake, Napier's architects chose to adopt the Art Deco style because it was fashionable and its simplicity and clean lines suited the holistic, safety-focused approach the rebuild required.
Adopting Art Deco —
After the earthquake, Napier's architects chose to adopt the Art Deco style because it was fashionable and its simplicity and clean lines suited the holistic, safety-focused approach the rebuild required.
Sandra Smedhall
The ASB Bank building, built by Wellington firm Crichton McKay & Haughton in 1932, is one of the finest examples of Maori carving and kowhaiwhai (rafter) patterns the town's architects incorporated into their interpretation of Art Deco style.
Cultural Carvings —
The ASB Bank building, built by Wellington firm Crichton McKay & Haughton in 1932, is one of the finest examples of Maori carving and kowhaiwhai (rafter) patterns the town's architects incorporated into their interpretation of Art Deco style.
Sandra Smedhall
Napier's Smith & Chambers building has a lively facade decorated with bold zigzag motifs and local ferns and flowers. The upper floor was designed as apartments, which was unusual for the time.
Zigzags and ziggurats —
Napier's Smith & Chambers building has a lively facade decorated with bold zigzag motifs and local ferns and flowers. The upper floor was designed as apartments, which was unusual for the time.
The Art Deco Trust, Napier
The Criterion Hotel, also designed by E A Williams and completed in 1932, is Napier's largest Spanish Mission style building.
Criterion Hotel —
The Criterion Hotel, also designed by E A Williams and completed in 1932, is Napier's largest Spanish Mission style building.
Art Deco Trust
Napier architect J. A. Louis Hay designed this iconic building in the suburb of Ahuriri, just outside the city center. Many of Hay's designs were heavily influenced by American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Wright Influence —
Napier architect J. A. Louis Hay designed this iconic building in the suburb of Ahuriri, just outside the city center. Many of Hay's designs were heavily influenced by American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Art Deco Trust
During the 1930's, the phrase 'The New Napier' was frequently used to describe the rebuilt town. The New Napier Arch, designed by local architect J. T. Watson, was built in 1937 to commemorate the reconstruction.
The New Napier —
During the 1930's, the phrase 'The New Napier' was frequently used to describe the rebuilt town. The New Napier Arch, designed by local architect J. T. Watson, was built in 1937 to commemorate the reconstruction.
The Art Deco Trust, Napier
Napier's iconic domed T&G Building in the city's center was completed in 1935 and is based on the 'stripped classical' style of architecture.
The Domed Beauty —
Napier's iconic domed T&G Building in the city's center was completed in 1935 and is based on the 'stripped classical' style of architecture.
Jeff Brass
The Tremains Art Deco Festival is held every February and marks Napier's courageous rebirth and Art Deco heritage with music, fashion and automobiles.
Celebrating Courage —
The Tremains Art Deco Festival is held every February and marks Napier's courageous rebirth and Art Deco heritage with music, fashion and automobiles.
The Art Deco Trust
The interior of many of the town's iconic Art Deco buildings are as elaborate as their facades, like this foyer in the Daily Telegraph building.
Intricate Interiors —
The interior of many of the town's iconic Art Deco buildings are as elaborate as their facades, like this foyer in the Daily Telegraph building.
The Art Deco Trust, Napier