Book

Los Angeles Art Deco

by Suzanne Tarbell Cooper, Amy Ronnebeck Hall, and Frank E. Cooper Jr.

📖 Overview

Los Angeles Art Deco provides a photographic survey of the city's Art Deco architectural heritage from the 1920s and 1930s. The book documents both famous landmarks and lesser-known buildings through archival and contemporary images. The authors present detailed histories of notable structures including the Eastern Columbia Building, Bullocks Wilshire, and the Oviatt Building. Each featured building is accompanied by information about its architect, construction date, and architectural elements that exemplify the Art Deco style. The work explores how Art Deco architecture reflected Los Angeles' rapid growth and emerging identity during the early 20th century. Through its documentation of both preserved and lost buildings, the book serves as both a celebration of Art Deco design and a record of architectural preservation in Los Angeles.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this as a useful pictorial guide that documents LA's Art Deco architectural heritage. The book's 140 black and white photos showcase both famous landmarks and lesser-known buildings. Readers appreciate: - Clear organization by neighborhood/region - Historical details about each building - Quality of the photography - Mix of exterior and interior shots - Inclusion of buildings that no longer exist Common criticisms: - Photos only in black and white - Limited coverage of some neighborhoods - Brief descriptions that lack architectural detail - No maps or walking tours included Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (10 reviews) Notable reader comment: "A good introduction to LA's Art Deco architecture, though I wish there were color photos to really show the detail work." - Amazon reviewer The book serves primarily as a photo documentation resource rather than an in-depth architectural analysis.

📚 Similar books

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Art Deco San Francisco by Michael F. Crowe and Robert W. Bowen The book documents the Art Deco buildings and structures of San Francisco with historical records, architectural plans, and photographs from the 1920s and 1930s.

Chicago Art Deco by Robert Bruegmann and Norman Brunkhorst The text presents a catalog of Chicago's Art Deco monuments with archival photographs, building histories, and architectural drawings from the period.

Miami Beach Art Deco by Steven Brooke This guide catalogs the preservation and restoration of Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District through photographs and architectural documentation.

Detroit's Historic Places of Worship by Marla O. Collum, Barbara E. Krueger The book chronicles Detroit's Art Deco churches and religious buildings with architectural details, historical records, and photographs of both exteriors and interiors.

🤔 Interesting facts

🏛️ The book showcases over 200 stunning photographs of Los Angeles Art Deco buildings, many of which were captured during the 1980s and 1990s before significant alterations or demolition occurred. 🎨 Art Deco architecture flourished in Los Angeles during the 1920s and 1930s, coinciding with the city's rapid growth and the golden age of Hollywood, leading to unique design elements that reflected the city's glamorous reputation. 📚 Co-author Suzanne Tarbell Cooper is a founding member of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles and has been instrumental in preserving the city's architectural heritage through documentation and advocacy. 🏢 The book features famous structures like the Eastern Columbia Building and the Bullocks Wilshire department store, as well as lesser-known Art Deco gems in residential neighborhoods that are often overlooked. 🎬 Many of the Art Deco buildings documented in the book have appeared in numerous Hollywood films and television shows, serving as iconic backdrops that help establish Los Angeles's distinct visual identity.