by Tom Stelmack, O.D., Class of 2017
Photographs by the author
In 2022, Joan and I were booked on the Viking Star for a 122 day trip around the world. Unfortunately, the voyage was shortened and re-routed due to the Omicron virus. More recently, we are traveling for 72 days aboard the Viking Orion, completing the itinerary Down Under and to the Far East.
We docked in Napier, New Zealand, just in time for its annual Art Deco celebration. Napier is considered New Zealand’s capital of Art Deco. As these photos illustrate, several structures herald the 1920s with designs consistent with Art Deco structures you might see in South Beach, Miami, and California. The celebration included pristine Packard and Buick autos from that era and, of course, the “Flappers”.
At the southern end of the Ring of Fire, New Zealand experienced a shallow earthquake in 1931 that leveled the downtown section of Napier. Amazingly, it was rebuilt in 22 months. Most of the buildings in a 6-block area near the bay were designed by architect Louis Hay. A follower of Frank Lloyd Wright, Hay nevertheless selected to use the earlier Art Deco style of ornamentation. He also incorporated Maori art into those Art Deco designs. highlights Maori art.
The area is also known for its viticulture, introduced by French Missionaries in the mid-19th century. The rocky soil is perfectly suited for growing varietals such as Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, as well as Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The photo of the Art Deco Hawke’s Bay Club promotes the industry with an attractive wine bar. Folks in the area will dress for the event that features music and dance of the roaring 20s.
And yes. The sheep population outnumbers the humans.
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Tom, very interesting. Years ago, I was telling a group how the new Art Deco style had covered the world – even the small city of Napier, NZ. A tour-taker raised her hand. “I’m from Napier and I am a deco guide.” Wow! As we chatted during the tour, she gave me a lapel-pin from the Napier Deco Trust. Which, darn it, is lost.
Tom,
Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed the pictures and your descriptions. New Zealand seems to be succeeding in preserving its art deco architecture, in this case assisted by the timing of the 1931 earthquake. Wellington also has well-preserved examples of art deco.
Bob P.
Thanks for this, Tom. Real interesting and pictures are spectacular.
Tom: great photos. I spent a month touring NZ about 10 years ago. Of course visited Napier and took their Art Deco walk8ng tour.. Wonderful country, great people – we mostly stayed in people’s homes. Hope you had a chance to get around the country as well.
Enjoyed your lovely photos!