Les cigognes d'Alsace

These elevator panels were made for the London department store, Selfridges, established in 1909. They demonstrate how public spaces like department stores gave ordinary people access to luxury styles, as well as luxury goods. Designed by Edgar Brandt, they are typical of his work in uniting flat, stylised and geometric patterns, with organic references. The three storks (the cicognes of the title) circle around a sun, as beams of light radiate outwards. The incorporation of birds associates the panels with flight and elevation, while the shimmering, bronzed colours adds a sense of glamour. Brandt was keen to experiment with new materials and techniques, utilising the newer electric-shot wel

Lift cage · Birmingham · 1922. Lacquer, iron, bronze and wood. By Brandt, Edgar. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.