The Thrilling Thirties...

Our interests are firmly rooted in the art deco years from 1929 to 1939 – from pure art deco design through to the twee ‘suburban modern’ of Metroland, touching on the way the moderne style with functional ‘machines for living’.

From Tamara de Lempicka to cocktail cabinets – Al Bowlly to Nat Gonella – turn up the dial on your Ecko AD65 wireless (designed by Wells Coates) and imagine the flat roofed houses of the South Coast and dreamy ocean liners, foxtrots and finger waves, Palais de Danse and the Savoy Hotel. Our passion for the period extends to dances, events and weekends of escape to romance and sophistication.

Gramophone record recitals by Okay for Sound happen throughout the year and guest spots at popular events in Germany and Switzerland bring the sounds of the thrilling thirties to life, proving that tip top rhythm doesn’t have to start and stop in the 1940s!

	Victor Ernest Daye, Pierre Vale and Claude Beaumont at Broadcasting House, Autumn 193? photograph by Gordon Ayres
		Claude Beaumont broadcasts the popular request show 'Okay for Sound' circa 193? photograph by Gordon Ayres

	Peace in our time - Lou and Mark celebrate in the Summer sunshine after the Munich crisis...
At the Tea Dance - Bryan, LouLou, Joeri, Chris, Joerg, Mark, Hoc, Nigel, Christine and Goo - an afternoon of charm and elegance in October 193?
>	Penny and Hugo taken at The Trocadero Ball in Wuppertal, Germany - Joeri, Chrsitine and Hoc at the table
Spring 1939 and the threat of another European war seems to be far away from the jaunty hat designs for the new season.
	The weekend house party just after Easter 1939 at the Courtauld family home, where the talk has been of war - guests included politicians, actors and members of the aristocracy. After Breakfast, Mr. Daye from the BBC and his lady friend, Miss Rowland, contemplate a stroll in the gardens of Eltham Palace with Ginie Courtauld.
The sleek art deco hat designs of the 1930s were elegant and stylish, reflecting the motifs and images of the moderne movement.
	Returning home from the weekend house party at Eltham Palace, refreshments are taken in the station cafeteria, whilst waiting for a connecting train to the local branch line. "Sugar is in the spoon", and Lord Ewing reflects how the servant problem will be exacerbated by another War.
Outside the Entrance Hall to Eltham Palace, guests say their farewells and await what 1939 has in store for them...
	It is November 1939 and Britain is at War - the great period of inactivity and uncertainty known as the phoney war. The BBC broadcast the popular gramophone request programme with Claude Beaumont called "Home Front Favourites" and Claude's catch phrase, 'Mind the Blackout' with the audience response "WILL DO!" is heard every Wednesday evening - here Claude prepares to play the Joe Loss novelty number 'The Blackout Stroll' for the first time.