Antique early 20th century Co op Wholesale Society ( CWS) Art Nouveau shoe tin. This lovely, very decorative tin has some great colours and adorned with Art Nouveau styalised flowers. Some age related wear.
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17 cm wide
14 cm depth
6 cm tall
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Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) - now The Co-operative Group
Origin: Formed in 1863 by independent co-operative consumer societies in the UK.
Purpose: To collectively purchase goods from suppliers and eventually organize production, providing products for sale in member co-op stores.
Evolution: Went through many changes over the next century and eventually became The Co-operative Group.
Legacy: It remains a key part of the history of the British Co-operative Movement.
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Art Nouveau was an international style of art, architecture, and design that emerged in the late 19th century and flourished until the First World War. It was a reaction to the industrial revolution, rejecting historical styles in favor of a new, modern aesthetic that drew inspiration from nature, especially organic forms, and emphasized flowing lines. The movement aimed to unify the fine and applied arts, bringing art into everyday life through a "total work of art". Key figures include architects Victor Horta and Hector Guimard, and artists like Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt.
Origins and influences
Reaction to industrialization: Art Nouveau arose as a rebellion against the industrial revolution, mass production, and the perceived lack of craftsmanship in Victorian-era arand design.
Arts and Crafts movement: It evolved from the earlier Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, which championed traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of natural forms.
Inspiration from nature: The style is characterized by its use of organic shapes, including flowers, plants, insects, and animals, often depicted with sinuous, "whiplash" curves.
Aesthetic goals: Art Nouveau sought to create a new style that was free from historical imitation and to unify the fine arts (like painting and sculpture) with the applied arts (like furniture and illustration).
Key characteristics
Flowing lines: A defining feature is the use of dynamic, flowing, and asymmetrical lines, sometimes referred to as "whiplash" curves.
Integration of art and structure: A central principle was the integration of decoration and structure, creating a unified and cohesive whole.
Use of modern materials: Architects like Victor Horta embraced new industrial materials like iron, using their flexibility to create flowing, decorative elements.
Examples and key figures
Architecture:
Victor Horta's Hôtel Tassel in Brussels is considered one of the first major Art Nouveau buildings.
Hector Guimard's entrances for the Paris Métro are iconic examples of the style's public presence. Art and design:
Alphonse Mucha is famous for his stylized posters and illustrations, often featuring women surrounded by ornate, naturalistic frames.
Gustav Klimt is a notable painter in the movement.
Aubrey Beardsley: was an influential illustrator whose seductive and sinuous drawings are closely associated with the style.