Wed 21 Mar 2007
Guimard, the genius of art deco work in Paris, designed some wonderful metro entrances made of iron and glass in the early 1900’s. Most of them were torn down in time, a big mistake, but a few, like this one at Abbesses remains.
I love the glass and the writing of the sign.
Art deco uses the forms of plants to design-very sensual
A work of art used every day. Guimard also did some very interesting buildings in another part of Paris as well as a synagogue in the Marais.
March 22nd, 2007 at 3:18 am
For some reason I really love the Abbesses métro station… But it pinches at my heartstrings, because it holds very bittersweet memories for me. I used to live right up the street from there.
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:25 am
Your photos have me longing for a weekend in Paris….
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:21 am
Wonderful photos, as always! Guimard was part of the Art Nouveau movement, not Art Deco. Different eras.
March 22nd, 2007 at 8:53 am
This is so lovely…so glad you posted this!!!!
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:04 am
Did you happen to see the really cool Art Nouveau stuff they had at the Musée d’Orsay recently? Not sure if the exhibit is still there but they had all kinds of furniture and interior decor items from Guimard and his cronies. I just loved it!
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:33 am
Your photos are gorgeous. Through them, all my senses come alive.
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:00 am
It’s always such a shame when something beautiful like this is torn down to make way for new…I love anything art deco…this is just gorgeous.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:09 am
Thanks for taking me on this walk. Art deco is unfamiliar to me, though I like it.
March 24th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Went to the d’Orsay today to see the Bastien-LePage exhibit and they DO still have most of the Art Nouveau stuff there - including one of the Metro signs, SIGNED by Guimard! I guess it’s part of the permanent collection although a few months ago they had some extra things on exhibit as well. Go if you get the chance, it’s really beautiful.
March 24th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Wonderful photos! I would love visit Paris someday!
March 25th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I like this better than the street artists/performers of your next post!! Much more interesting and evocative.