Part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, the inspirational collection of decorative arts currently on show at NGV spans 1910-1939 and includes over 300 pieces of ceramics, glassware and furniture. There are also stunning examples of jewellery, clothes, paintings and prints.

Art Deco is the name given to the opulent 20th century style that swept the world between the first and second world wars. It gained prominence following the 1925 Paris Exposition and went on transform skylines from New York to Shanghai, influencing everything from bakelite radios and dinner sets to lavish sequinned evening wear and stage costumes.

This Art Deco 1910 - 1939 exhibition is organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, though many of the pieces on show are from the NGV collection.

Dr Gerard Vaughan, NGV Director, said the show highlights the impact of Art Deco across the world.

"This exhibition is the first to explore Art Deco as a global phenomenon which affected cities as far apart as Paris, New York, Bombay, Shanghai and Melbourne.

Art Deco was an eclectic movement, and designers drew inspiration from many sources. Artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Africa, Japan and China all proved influential, as did contemporary avant-garde art and design - in particular, the geometric shapes and lines of Cubism and Futurism."

Dr Vaughan describes the Deco style as "glamorous, consciously modern, vibrant and often exotic."

"This stunning show explores the evolution and flowering of Art Deco with such breadth and diversity that it is sure to surprise and delight even the most passionate fan of the style," he said.

Accompanying the exhibition is an extensive program of workshops, film screenings and guided tours, including walks around the Melbourne CBD to take in Melbourne's own Art Deco architecture.

Details: www.ngv.vic.gov.au

by DAREN POPE