1930s
Step into the sophistication of the 1930s, an era of glamorous Hollywood films, elegant ocean liners and beautifully designed interiors, when style and imagination offered a welcome escape from the uncertainties of everyday life.
The decade began under the shadow of the Great Depression, bringing financial hardship and profound social change to families around the world. Yet even during difficult times, creativity continued to flourish. The golden age of Hollywood captivated audiences with its glamorous stars, lavish costumes and magnificent settings, while radio brought music, entertainment and news into homes across the country. In Australia, picture theatres, dance halls and wireless broadcasts became an important part of everyday life, offering moments of enjoyment and connection.
Art Deco reached new heights during the 1930s, evolving from the bold geometric ornamentation of the previous decade towards smoother curves, streamlined forms and a growing appreciation for modern materials. Inspired by ocean liners, locomotives and the excitement of technological progress, designers embraced the elegance of the Streamline Moderne movement. Glassmakers, ceramic artists, silversmiths and jewellers created objects that balanced practicality with beauty, producing everything from stylish tableware and decorative vases to sophisticated jewellery and dressing table accessories.
Homes reflected both the aspirations and realities of the period. Polished timber furniture, mirrored surfaces, decorative glassware and elegant lighting brought refinement to interiors, while more affordable manufactured goods made attractive design accessible to a wider public. Afternoon tea, family gatherings and carefully arranged dining tables remained cherished traditions, with beautifully made household objects often treasured for many years.
Our 1930s collection celebrates this fascinating decade through vintage glassware, porcelain, pottery, sterling silver, jewellery, decorative arts and collectables. From elegant Art Deco pieces to traditional objects that continued to grace family homes, each treasure offers a glimpse into an era that found beauty and innovation even in challenging circumstances.
Discover antiques and vintage treasures from the 1930s, rich in craftsmanship, character and timeless appeal, ready to bring a little of this remarkable decade into today's homes.
