Origin: Europe about 1890–1910, with names such as Victor Horta, Hector Guimard, Gaudí and Alphonse Mucha
Art Nouveau flourished in Europe about 1890–1910, a reaction against mechanical ornament and historical revivals. Notable names include Victor Horta in Brussels, Hector Guimard in Paris, Gaudí in Catalonia and the artist Alphonse Mucha. Its forms draw on nature: whiplash curves, flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, stained glass and bent iron, stressing continuity between architecture and decoration.
In Vietnam, it can be applied through bent-iron railings, stained glass in windows or screens, floral wallpaper or tiles, coloured glass lamps and a few curved timber pieces. Keep it measured in a townhouse. Stained glass and ironwork must be treated to cope with humidity and west sun; choose kiln-dried timber with a protective finish to resist warping.
