20/04/2026
✨ 100 Years of Art Deco ✨
Art Deco is often imagined as sleek, angular white concrete buildings with intricate detailing and opulent materials — the iconic glamour of Miami immediately comes to mind. But Art Deco is far broader, richer, and more diverse than that familiar image.
Take Béthune, France, for example — an outstanding and lesser‑known expression of Art Deco architecture. Like Miami, much of Béthune was almost entirely destroyed, but not by weather or time — by war. Its post‑war resurrection, including churches (stain glass windows depicting historic scenes with the hel.et of second war soldiers), banks, and civic buildings, was largely led by architect Jacques Alleman.
Alleman brought a distinctive vision: celebrating Flemish design traditions, intertwining animal motifs, strong symmetry, and carefully balanced proportions. The Art Deco here blends classical elements — columns and pediments — with the flowing influence of Art Nouveau, creating architecture that is both grounded and expressive and at optimitic of a bright future following the darkness of conflict.
This is a celebration of craft, detail, and decoration. Rather than chrome, Béthune favours brass, rich brickwork, and layered detailing that creates depth and texture. The proportions remain disciplined — nodding to symmetry and the rule of thirds — yet the ornamentation brings warmth and character.
Béthune is absolutely worth a visit. Many buildings are in excellent condition, while others need a little love — but even those reward anyone willing to look beyond the grime and tired decoration. A true reminder that Art Deco was never one style, but many.
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