The most popular architectural style in 1905 was Art Nouveau, or ‘New Art’. This new, modern design started in France in the 1890s.

In the 1800s, the most fashionable style had been Arts and Crafts. This was based on expensive handmade objects reflecting pre-industrial taste.

Art Nouveau always included flowers, leaves and vines in flowing lines. It decorated buildings, furniture, jewellery, glass, pottery and even cutlery, as well as paintings.

Unlike the Arts and Crafts movement, which turned its back on machine made products, and was too expensive for most people, Art Nouveau used modern production methods, and was therefore more affordable.             

The most celebrated Art Nouveau artists include the architect Charles Rennie Macintosh, artist Aubrey Beardsley, and silversmith Charles Ashbee.

Look at more Art Nouveau style objects from Wakefield’s collections: