DRIVING FOR DECO
Welcome to Driving For Deco. This site is a showcase of our quest for finding Art Deco objects from antique stores, flea markets and thrift stores. It also showcases Art Deco buildings and places we visit as well as memorable Deco designs in classic films. Join us on our quest and feel free to contribute your favorite deco finds and stories.
ABOUT US
Chris Arena
Chris Arena grew up in a home of dumpster diving parents (before recycling was popular). He learned early on to buy the best he could afford and then hold onto it. Because of this, several of his possessions from the 1960-80’s are now considered collectable. (Upbringing or hoarding? You decide.) He was introduced to the Art Deco aesthetic during the 1980’s Deco Revival period. This was reflected in the chic (?) furnishings for his first apartment. It wasn’t until he met Anthony in 1995 that he was inspired to collect true deco and has been doing so ever since. Chris freely admits he is the magpie (O0h…something shiny!) of the two. He can be found scouring his local thrift stores several times a week and leans towards “smalls” and decorative items. Chris has his degree in performing arts and is employed by the State of New Jersey.
Anthony L’Abbate
Anthony L’Abbate has been a collector since childhood. Starting in the early 1970s with coins and matchbox cars then moving on to Coca-Cola memorabilia. In 1982 he actively began collecting Art Deco items. Collection highlights include Fiesta, Chase giftware, chrome tube furniture and Ruba Rombic glassware. When not on the Road with Chris Driving for Deco, Anthony earns his living as Preservation Manager in the Moving Image Department at the George Eastman Museum. Some of the films he has helped to restore include, Huckleberry Finn (1920), Sally, Irene and Mary (1925) and Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (1951).
I just discovered your website and sure enjoy it. I am an Art Deco lover and collector also. I live n Portland, OR and primarily have traveled the west looking for Deco. I especially enjoyed your travels “hitting” all the shops, malls and thrift stores. I do it locally but have ventured into the neighboring states throughout the years. Ebay has been a blessing for real rare pieces but the “hunt” is still the best. Seeing your photos of the display cases in all the malls you visit inspire me to adventure out.
Just got back from an amazing trip to Norway and Iceland. In the city of Alesund, Norway – there was a fire in 1904 that destroyed a lot of commercial buildings. As the city thought about how to rebuild, they hired architects that were influenced heavily by Art Nouveau. I have many pictures of some of the buildings’ architecture if you are interested. Not sure if you have any interest in Art Nouveau, but email if you would like to see some pics.
I too love Art Deco and Art Nouveau as well. I have an opportunity to purchase 14 pieces of Chase Chrome from an individual collector. She has some amazing pieces!
Hi,
I came across a Lens Bowl just like the one from your post from August 2021. Just wondering if you found any further information on your bowl. Would love to know more about it.
Hello Leticia,
Unfortunately, we have not come across much more information regarding the bowls we have in our collection. Although we did find information about bowls designed by Finnish designer Aino Aalto, wife of Alvar Aalto. In 1932 she designed glassware for the company iittala that included bowls that look very similar to the Teague Lens Bowls for Corning. Unlike the Corning bowls the iittala bowls (and the entire line) were very popular and continue to produced currently. But there are still some design differences between what we have and the iittala bowls. So our research continues.
All the best,
Anthony & Chris
Thank you so much for the information. Since my bowl is not signed and slightly larger than the Teague one, I am assuming it is a reproduction made in the 80’s.
LexyLadysTreasures.
Hey, Chris and Anthony,
Found you guys by accident. Helping an 84 year old retiring furniture refinisher, sell 500 pieces. Talk about picking. We’ve gone through his house and storage unit and found some really wild and wonderful things. Going through the mountains of furniture in his shop may turn up some wonderful finds. Any interest in seeing photos or in coming to pick? Thanks in advance,
Dina Herman
Westchester Antiques, LLC
(914)462-1045
Very thorough and inspiring article on the Stewart/Bonwit building. So much that I have decided to recreate in miniature, the two Chambellan bas-relief’s from the 9th floor. I sell many recreations of the art-deco architectural age on my Etsy shop, lostartifax.etsy.com. These two will be coming in a few days.