Step into a century of style: Art Deco – A Modern Vision opens at David Roche Gallery

Colorful ceramic plates and cups arranged together, showcasing a vibrant and artistic design.
Clarice Cliff Gibraltar tea set 1931 hand-painted earthenware. Private collection.
Step back in time to the glamorous Roaring Twenties and Thirties as the David Roche Gallery presents Art Deco: A Modern Vision, running until Saturday 31 January 2026.

Celebrating 100 years of Art Deco’s enduring influence, this captivating exhibition invites visitors to explore the origins, global journey, and everyday impact of one of the most distinctive design movements in history. From its bold debut in 1920s Paris to its lasting mark on Australian art and architecture, Art Deco continues to inspire with its elegance, geometry, and innovation.

Pierre dAvesn Hirondelles bowl c 1930 opalescent glass. The David Roche Collection.

Featuring 180 works from public and private collections, the exhibition offers a beautifully curated journey through the world of Art Deco:

  • Gallery 1: Discover the birth of Art Deco in France and Europe through exquisite furniture, paintings, and decorative arts, including a dazzling display of Lalique glass.
  • Gallery 2: Experience the era of international glamour with vintage travel posters, a classic motorcycle, Australian and European fashion, and fine ceramics from the period.
  • Gallery 3: Trace Art Deco’s arrival in Australia, from cinema design to stylish home interiors, through architectural drawings and design objects.
René Lalique Suzanne 1925 glass. Private collection.

David Roche Gallery Curator Timothy Roberts says Art Deco is much more than sleek lines and symmetry.

“We are thrilled to present this celebratory exhibition, and we invite visitors to explore the timeless legacy of Art Deco,” he says.

“It truly encompassed all decorative and applied arts from architecture, interior design, transportation, and fashion and jewellery. We look forward to sharing this visual journey and offer art enthusiasts an insight into this transformative world.”


Exhibition details

Bakewell Brothers Pontiac tea set c.1940 glazed earthenware. Private collection

Where: David Roche Gallery, 241 Melbourne St, North Adelaide

When: Saturday 8 November – Saturday 31 January 2026

Open: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm (Closed Sundays, Mondays, Public Holidays, and 21 December–5 January 2026)

Tickets: Adult $12 | Concession $10 | DRG Member $9 | Children under 12 Free


Fermoy House Tours: 10am, 12 noon & 2pm (pre-book online)

Cost: Adult $20 | Concession $17 (includes exhibition entry)


For more information and upcoming events, visit rochegallery.com.au

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