©Nohcab Art Deco in Calais: 5 places to discover
The 1920s are known as the Roaring Twenties. A breath of optimism arrived after years of war. This is when the Art Deco wave appeared. This art was expressed in many fields, including furniture, decoration, fashion, cinema, and especially architecture. In Calais, Art Deco also left a notable mark. Calais participates each year in the Art Deco Spring in around twenty towns in the Hauts-de-France region. Numerous events and visits are planned. A stroll around the Calais Town Hall area provides a first glimpse of some Art Deco treasures...sometimes hidden.
Calais Town Hall and its Art Deco ironwork
The construction of this monumental building in Calais XXL was completed at the beginning of the Art Deco wave. Its red bricks affirm its regionalist style. Wrought iron is widely used in Art Deco. The interior of Calais Town Hall is full of it! Upon entering, a massive door and then a turnstile lead to the reception area, lit by a typical Art Deco glass roof. The majestic marble main staircase adjoins the wrought iron balustrade depicting grape clusters and vine leaves. Every detail is meticulously crafted. Upstairs, this is the case with the voluminous glass doors surrounded by wrought iron. From the large staircase chandelier to the wall lights, the light fixtures are also full of details. All of this Art Deco-inspired ironwork is by Aldabert Szabo. Plant motifs are abundant, inspired by the Hungarian countryside, his native land.
Hôtel de ville
©Nohcab The Renardier building
(7, rue Paul Bert)
In the vast space opposite Calais Town Hall, a 1923 building stands out against the dominant red brick. This is the Renardier building, named after an architect working with his colleague Louis Debrouwer who designed the town hall. Emile Renardier had his office on the ground floor of this building, which showcases another facet of Art Deco. The concrete embodies the sobriety of a construction that imposes itself by its height. Once again, details are important. Note two mosaics adorned with shells sculpted in bas-relief and two bow windows highlighting the facade. As for the door, it is characteristic of Art Deco.
©Nohcab 
©Nohcab Paul Sisters' Houses
(8, rue Jean Jaures)
Still near Calais Town Hall, two twin houses from 1925 form a symmetrical ensemble. Almost identical, they were built for two sisters. It is a creation of Roger Poyé, architect of the city of CalaisIt uses Art Deco features, including ironwork on the doors. The red brick is a nod to the regional style of Calais Town Hall. Despite its current condition, the building retains its Art Deco character with its doors and oculi (round windows).
©Nohcab 
©Nohcab Former Automobile Club
(74, Boulevard Jacquard)
This building is eye-catching! This office building on a major artery in Calais dates from 1938, towards the end of the Art Deco period. It was designed by Roger Poyé, architect for the City of Calais. On this large-scale project, he collaborated with Roubaix architect Gustave Poubel. Travel options were developing in the 1930s, and so was travel assistance. The Automobile Club needed to expand in Calais, which welcomed many British visitors. The building is made of concrete, and the Art Deco touch is evident: glass paving, oculis, octagonal shapes, and especially porthole-shaped windows reminiscent of the immense transatlantic liners of the time.
©Nohcab Former Poupelier pharmacy
(4, Boulevard Jacquard)
Another signature of Roger Poyé, architect of the city of Calais during this Art Deco period. Businesses also wanted to brighten up their storefronts. Here we find stained glass windows and ironwork in a successful ensemble of yellow bricks and glazed bricks on the ground floor.
©Nohcab