Invitation to a Presentation
A Tour of Shanghai’s Amazing Art Deco
Ian Ferguson
7:30 pm
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Christ Church Cathedral
414 Sparks Street, Ottawa
(between Bay and Bronson)
(Free parking beside church, handicapped access)
Refreshments and conversation following the presentation
Everyone is welcome.*
This talk will focus on the architecture built in the Art Deco style in Shanghai during the interwar period (1919-39). We will explore why the city counts among the largest number of Art Deco buildings in the world and look at examples of hotels, department stores, cinemas, private residences, and public buildings. Art Deco can be viewed as an example of how styles and products travel from one region to another.
The talk will situate Art Deco within the growing Chinese interest at that period in Western concepts of luxury, nightlife, cinema, graphic art, fashion and furniture. Now part of China’s heritage, Shanghai’s Art Deco architecture also asserts itself in the overall history of modern architecture while paying tribute to the Chinese and foreign architects and workers involved.
Ian Ferguson is a former Canadian diplomat who during his 35-year career served in a variety of regions (Latin America, Africa, Middle East, United Nations). More recently, he has pursued an interest in art and received his M.A. in Art History from Carleton University in 2014. He is a member of the board of Heritage Ottawa and volunteers as a docent at the National Gallery of Canada. He has attended several World Congresses on Art Deco, including the one held in Shanghai, November 2015.
*No pre-registration. Entry is free for CCFS members and $5 for non-CCFS members. Memberships are available at the door. Annual membership is $20 for individuals, $30 for a family, $12 for students and
$17 for a student family. Membership forms are available at www.ccfso.org. For further information about the Society or this event, please consult our web site or www.facebook.com/ccfs.ottawa, send an email to ccfs.ottawa@gmail.com or phone 613-789-3318.