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Art Deco in Morecambe

Morecambe is surprisingly rich in both the variety and number of its Art Deco buildings. Examples can still be found of the style in use in stores, shops, offices, hotels, cafes, sports, clubs, schools, the town hall and even public conveniences!

In its its heyday in the 1930's Morecambe could also boast an Art Deco pier, swimming stadium, theatre and bus station, as well as Art Deco cinemas, band areas, dance halls, restaurants, shopping arcades and garages.

Today, as the town prepares for the grand re-opening of the Midland Hotel you can visit, experience and enjoy Morecambe's Art Deco Heritage...

Stay Art Deco - The Midland Hotel

Built in 1933, this beautiful Art Deco building was designed to be an extravagant gesture of hope in an age of uncertainty. Architect Oliver Hill commissioned sculptor Eric Gill and artist Eric Ravilious to follow through his modernist vision into the interior of the hotel. Leading developers, Urban Splash are currently undertaking an impressive and innovative renovation, due to be completed in June 2008.

Enjoy Art Deco - Brucciani's Cafe

Offering original menus, and formerly a milk bar, Brucciani's typifies the simple, geometric 'high street deco' styling popular at the time. The brown wood and chrome exterior has black lacquer base panels to the street, porthole lamps above the doors, ziggurat pattern doors and classic deco handles.

The interior preserves extensive wall panelling, a slightly reworked counter, red Formica tables, red upholstered chairs, wall-to-wall etched glass of Venetian canal scenes, mirrors, deco clocks and even the original penny-in-the-slot cubicles in the cloakrooms.

That most Art Deco of confections, the Knickerbocker Glory, is still served throughout the summer season and is not to be missed.

Explore Art Deco - Guided Walks

An evocation of the 1930s heyday of Morecambe conjured up from its surviving Art Deco buildings. The fascinating tours begin and end with an exterior exploration of the landmark Midland Hotel now undergoing restoration.

• Easter weekend: 21-24 March 2008
• Bank Holidays: 5 & 26 May 2008
• Saturdays: 28 June, 26 July, 30 August, 27 September, 25 October 2008

The walks set off from Morecambe Visitor Centre at 2pm. Tickets £2.50. For details contact Peter Wade (Tel 01524 420905)

Buy Art Deco - Booklets and Postcards

'Echoes of Art Deco' This booklet provides a snapshot of Morecambe's Art Deco Heritage as seen form the end of the 20th century. Morecambe Visitor Information Centre (opposite the Midland Hotel) also sells some great Art Deco mirrors, pens, mugs and fine handmade glassware.

Live Art Deco! - GB Antiques Centre, Lancaster

Finally, before heading home, make sure to visit GB Antiques and Furniture Centre in Lancaster, which is one of the North West's biggest and most loved antiques centres. With over 140 individual dealers, each with their own specialities, the centre has an amazing choice and variety of wares. So if your new found passion has turned to Deco, you can really indulge yourself!

GB Antiques and Furniture Centre is open all year, so discover why every year people from all over the world come to enjoy a real nostalgia trip.