Yesterday, Reeves and I went to the Art Deco Show in San Francisco and what a fantastic show it was! They really have an amazing assemblage of historically and aesthetically significant artifacts. The Art Deco period appeals to both Reeves and me in it use of modern materials as well as the angular cubist influence to the use of exaggerated perspective and the beauty bestowed in the design of everyday objects like toasters and tea services. This was the second to last weekend of the show which made it a challenge to navigate around all the plebes, but well worth the effort.
I shouldn't have been surprised by the quality however since it is the V&A's collection. (that is, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London) They have a top notch compilation of items and over the past couple decades have really made an effort to update and transform a bit of a stodge institution into a much more modern showcase of their astounding collections. In the summer of 2002 I saw their Design & the Decorative Art: Britain 1500-1900 exhibition while in London, and let me tell you, for being the huge Anglophile that I am, I almost peed myself around every turn at the sheer quantity and quality of each gallery. I believe that this exhibit is semi-permanent, so if you are in London, really do make an effort to check it out.