Argy58
Art Deco Bathers c1930s
A classic grouping of 1930s Art Deco themed swimming, diving and fashion badges.
Mayfair Jersey Hotel (top left)
This badge encapsulates the very essence of Art Deco styling. The three dimensional raised profile of the 'Mayfair Belle' against a sea of blue is visually stunning - the blue enamelling gives a strong representation of water . The compositional elements work in harmony as the geometric arrangement of the various planes give a strong visual dynamic.The badge dates to the 1930s and promotes the Mayfair Hotel in St Helier, Jersey. An early holiday guide described the hotel as 'The House of Sports'. Additional information included 'For young society and enjoyment we strongly recommend the 'Mayfair Hotel', to those who require a really carefree holiday full of amusements and beach sports'. The guide also showed photograps of the 'Mayfair Bathing Belles', diving and gymnastics activities.
Windsor Water Woollies swimwear (top right)
This charming early 20th Century fashion badge shows a reclining model with parasol in a one piece bathing costume promoting the swimwear of 'Windsor Water Woollies". Made by the renowned badge maker Miller, its intricate cut out figural style became a typical trait of this manufacturer. The composition of the badge is so strong; the model's leg and parasol cleverly 'break' away from the circle of the badge and the portrayal of a model reclining is brilliantly captured. The intense enamelling and subtle treatment of the typography creates an outstanding design. (This badge was also made with different colour combinations).The badge gives a fascinating insight into 1930s fashion swimwear as more and more fabric was being cut away to reveal more of the body. The backs of women's costumes became lower and lower and alternatives to thin straps were halter necks and straps that crossed at the back. A 1933 newspaper advertisement for Windsor Water Woollies promoted the company's 'large variety of plain colours, contrast effects and fancy designs in one-piece suits', adding, 'the costumes are made of the finest wool, medium weight and classic knit...........Windsor for Style, Quality and Wear'.
'Diving Girl' c1930s (bottom)
This classy and original Art Deco 'Diving Girl' enamel badge, with no identifiable text, was undoubtedly inspired by the famous 'Diving Girl' logo of the Jantzen Swimwear Company, USA. The famous Jantzen logo debuted in 1920 and was first applied to swimwear in 1923. It was designed by Frank and Florenz Clark and the image quickly became a global trademark and its strong influence can be seen within this particular badge as a streamlined adaptation.The vintage Jantzen trademark was characterised by a young female dressed in a red, once-piece swimsuit and matching bathing hat. Her arms were outstretched with an arched back that conveyed an elegant graphic marque. In comparison to this, the above badge retains the elegance of the vintage Jantzen logo with changes to the green matching colours and the more streamlined alignment of the back. The above badge would have been worn in the 1930s as a decorative enamel brooch but its style is very much rooted in the 1920s Jantzen version. Measuring approximately 1.5 inches in length, the badge was made in Britain by Stratton's of Birmingham and is typical of the quality of craftsmanship often seen in this maker's work.
From a fashion perspective this badge showcases the one-piece swimwear and matching bathing hat of the period. The conservative nature of swimwear is now being discarded for a more risqué, figure hugging material that's starting to reveal more of the body. During the 1920s it was the Jantzen Company who promoted the idea of a swimsuit instead of a bathing suit with the famous slogan, 'The Suit That Changed Bathing to Swimming'.
Photography, layout and design: Argy58
(This image also exists as a high resolution jpeg and tiff - ideal for a variety of print sizes
e.g. A4, A3, A2 and A1. The current uploaded format is for screen based viewing only: 72pi
Art Deco Bathers c1930s
A classic grouping of 1930s Art Deco themed swimming, diving and fashion badges.
Mayfair Jersey Hotel (top left)
This badge encapsulates the very essence of Art Deco styling. The three dimensional raised profile of the 'Mayfair Belle' against a sea of blue is visually stunning - the blue enamelling gives a strong representation of water . The compositional elements work in harmony as the geometric arrangement of the various planes give a strong visual dynamic.The badge dates to the 1930s and promotes the Mayfair Hotel in St Helier, Jersey. An early holiday guide described the hotel as 'The House of Sports'. Additional information included 'For young society and enjoyment we strongly recommend the 'Mayfair Hotel', to those who require a really carefree holiday full of amusements and beach sports'. The guide also showed photograps of the 'Mayfair Bathing Belles', diving and gymnastics activities.
Windsor Water Woollies swimwear (top right)
This charming early 20th Century fashion badge shows a reclining model with parasol in a one piece bathing costume promoting the swimwear of 'Windsor Water Woollies". Made by the renowned badge maker Miller, its intricate cut out figural style became a typical trait of this manufacturer. The composition of the badge is so strong; the model's leg and parasol cleverly 'break' away from the circle of the badge and the portrayal of a model reclining is brilliantly captured. The intense enamelling and subtle treatment of the typography creates an outstanding design. (This badge was also made with different colour combinations).The badge gives a fascinating insight into 1930s fashion swimwear as more and more fabric was being cut away to reveal more of the body. The backs of women's costumes became lower and lower and alternatives to thin straps were halter necks and straps that crossed at the back. A 1933 newspaper advertisement for Windsor Water Woollies promoted the company's 'large variety of plain colours, contrast effects and fancy designs in one-piece suits', adding, 'the costumes are made of the finest wool, medium weight and classic knit...........Windsor for Style, Quality and Wear'.
'Diving Girl' c1930s (bottom)
This classy and original Art Deco 'Diving Girl' enamel badge, with no identifiable text, was undoubtedly inspired by the famous 'Diving Girl' logo of the Jantzen Swimwear Company, USA. The famous Jantzen logo debuted in 1920 and was first applied to swimwear in 1923. It was designed by Frank and Florenz Clark and the image quickly became a global trademark and its strong influence can be seen within this particular badge as a streamlined adaptation.The vintage Jantzen trademark was characterised by a young female dressed in a red, once-piece swimsuit and matching bathing hat. Her arms were outstretched with an arched back that conveyed an elegant graphic marque. In comparison to this, the above badge retains the elegance of the vintage Jantzen logo with changes to the green matching colours and the more streamlined alignment of the back. The above badge would have been worn in the 1930s as a decorative enamel brooch but its style is very much rooted in the 1920s Jantzen version. Measuring approximately 1.5 inches in length, the badge was made in Britain by Stratton's of Birmingham and is typical of the quality of craftsmanship often seen in this maker's work.
From a fashion perspective this badge showcases the one-piece swimwear and matching bathing hat of the period. The conservative nature of swimwear is now being discarded for a more risqué, figure hugging material that's starting to reveal more of the body. During the 1920s it was the Jantzen Company who promoted the idea of a swimsuit instead of a bathing suit with the famous slogan, 'The Suit That Changed Bathing to Swimming'.
Photography, layout and design: Argy58
(This image also exists as a high resolution jpeg and tiff - ideal for a variety of print sizes
e.g. A4, A3, A2 and A1. The current uploaded format is for screen based viewing only: 72pi