The Thursday Find: Art Deco and Stained Glass Galore

example

This example of Philadelphian Art Deco looks straight out of Gatsby.

Among a billion great reasons to visit Philadelphia, the large amount of extant Art Deco architecture is high on the list. Here in Center City particularly, we are blessed with a significant number of lovingly-preserved historic buildings. Many of them were built in the years preceding the second World War which, starting in the 1920s, were the Golden Age of Deco. You’ve seen this distinctive style in the adaptations of The Great Gatsby, but do you know what sets it apart?

example

This example of Philadelphian Art Deco looks straight out of Gatsby.

Art Deco is, from Wikipedia, “an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials. The style is often characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.” Of course, showing trumps telling every time. With that thought, enjoy a peek at some of Center City’s Art Deco / stained glass masterpieces.

2218 Mount Vernon St.
4/4, $669,000

indoors

A light goes through it: I love these interior panels of pretty stained glass.

 

1828 Spruce St. # 2R
1/1, $2,400 rent

window

I love this window!

spruce

This fireplace looks pretty and fresh after a couple hundred years, thanks to the bold period tile.

This fireplace looks pretty and fresh after a couple hundred years, thanks to the bold period tile.

117 N 15th St.
1/1, $1,850 rent

15th

An image of the condo’s exterior, on 15th Street.

15th 2

It’s even prettier all lit up at night.

237 S 18th St. # 4
3/3, $1,249,900

bedroom

From the windows and lighting to that knockout herringbone hardwood, this home is a Deco delight.

18th

Sunlight streams in freely through stained glass in this dignified library,

dining

This dining room features not only gorgeous windows, but an exquisite chandelier as well.

758 S 10th St.
4/7, $1,100,000

round

Those round windows are like portholes to the sky!

bedroom

Of note: the stained glass window and glass-paned door in the background.

bathroom

I love that the homeowners built a modern bathroom around that window. Just shows the enduring power of the classics.

2210 Delancey Pl.
3/3.5, $3,500 rent

bathroom

The tall windows and tile work set this one apart.

fireplace

Gracious and stately, this room is as impressive today as it was a century ago.