NEW EXHIBITION: Art Deco & Beyond – Innovation and Design in Braintree 1925-1935
17th January – 27th June 2026
Art Deco and Beyond explores how Braintree, Essex paved the way in manufacturing innovations and textile design during the 1920s and 1930s. Featuring Crittalls and the centenary of the unique village of Silver End. Courtaulds, innovators of artificial silk and esteemed textile manufacturers Warner & Sons.
More about the exhibition
This colourful and interactive exhibition, filled with never before displayed plans, objects and design, steps back into the vibrant world of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
The interwar period in Braintree saw a general improvement in the quality of life for the majority of people, as significant successes of local companies kept them in employment despite the Depression. It was a period of freedom of expression in art and architecture, fashion and music. It really was a new age!
- Crittalls introduced the first modernist housing to Britain with the creation of Clockhouse Way in 1919. They went on to develop the Art Deco and Modern Movement – styled village of Silver End, which celebrates 100 years this year.
- Courtaulds changed washing day and fashion forever with artificial silk. They also changed how we access and appreciate art.
- Warner & Sons led the way in fabric design and production.
- The Bardfield artists started settling in Essex, developing their innovative and playful vision of art and print.
During this period there were two particularly influential exhibitions; the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924-1925, and the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925. The Paris exhibition gave the name ‘Art Deco’ to the emerging modern style. Textile giants Courtaulds and Warner & Sons attended these exhibitions and Crittalls were also present. They all showcased modern alongside traditional styles, reflecting the diversity of output and techniques developing in the mid-1920s and this exhibition explores and displays the colours, patterns and materials defined by these companies during this iconic decade.
