{"title":"Perspex, Lucite, and Acrylic in 20th Century Decorative Arts: A Revolution in Material Use","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"690\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"276\"\u003e20th century\u003c\/strong\u003e heralded a revolution in the decorative arts with the introduction of \u003cstrong data-start=\"347\" data-end=\"370\"\u003esynthetic materials\u003c\/strong\u003e. Among the most influential were \u003cstrong data-start=\"404\" data-end=\"415\"\u003ePerspex\u003c\/strong\u003e (acrylic, also known as Plexiglas) and \u003cstrong data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"465\"\u003eLucite\u003c\/strong\u003e (a branded form of acrylic). These versatile, lightweight, and resilient materials not only transformed industry and military technology but also became icons of modern design, shaping jewelry, luxury goods, and sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"692\" data-end=\"741\"\u003eFrom Military Innovation to Modern Aesthetic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003eFirst developed in the early 20th century, Perspex and Lucite came into prominence during \u003cstrong data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"848\"\u003eWorld War II\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their \u003cstrong data-start=\"856\" data-end=\"901\"\u003eclarity, strength, and shatter-resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e made them ideal for military use, most notably in the \u003cstrong data-start=\"956\" data-end=\"986\"\u003ewindows of bomber aircraft\u003c\/strong\u003e. After the war, these materials transitioned into the commercial sphere, quickly captivating designers and consumers with their \u003cstrong data-start=\"1115\" data-end=\"1142\"\u003eglass-like transparency\u003c\/strong\u003e, ability to be tinted in vibrant colours, and modern, futuristic appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1250\"\u003eJewelry and Fashion Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1638\"\u003eBy the mid-century, designers embraced Lucite and Perspex for \u003cstrong data-start=\"1313\" data-end=\"1340\"\u003ejewelry and accessories\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their \u003cstrong data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1386\"\u003elightweight and moldable qualities\u003c\/strong\u003e allowed for bold, sculptural forms previously impossible in traditional materials. Bangles, necklaces, earrings, and rings emerged in transparent, coloured, or embedded designs, perfectly aligned with the optimism and innovation of the post-war era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1640\" data-end=\"1688\"\u003eLuxury Goods: The Dunhill Aquarium Lighters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"2112\"\u003eOne of the most celebrated uses of Perspex in decorative arts was the creation of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1775\" data-end=\"1804\"\u003eDunhill Aquarium Lighters\u003c\/strong\u003e in the 1950s. Each lighter featured \u003cstrong data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1883\"\u003ehand-carved and painted Perspex panels\u003c\/strong\u003e, depicting fish and aquatic scenes in exquisite three-dimensional detail. These lighters, both functional and artistic, remain highly sought-after collectibles and epitomise the creative potential of acrylics in luxury design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2114\" data-end=\"2138\"\u003eArtistic Expression\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2549\"\u003eBeyond decorative and luxury goods, acrylic materials inspired \u003cstrong data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2237\"\u003emodern and contemporary artists\u003c\/strong\u003e. Minimalist and Pop Art sculptors, including figures like Donald Judd and De Wain Valentine, embraced Perspex and Lucite for their \u003cstrong data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2421\"\u003einteraction with light, colour, and transparency\u003c\/strong\u003e. These works challenged traditional boundaries of sculpture, demonstrating how synthetic materials could redefine art itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2577\"\u003eLegacy and Collecting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2877\"\u003eToday, vintage \u003cstrong data-start=\"2593\" data-end=\"2611\"\u003eLucite jewelry\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2613\" data-end=\"2636\"\u003ePerspex accessories\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2642\" data-end=\"2672\"\u003eacrylic decorative objects\u003c\/strong\u003e embody the bold spirit of mid-century design. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to combine practicality with innovation, reflecting a cultural moment when modern materials reshaped aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2879\" data-end=\"3163\"\u003eAt \u003cstrong data-start=\"2882\" data-end=\"2909\"\u003eNwtiques\u003c\/strong\u003e, we are proud to offer significant examples of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"3005\"\u003ePerspex, Lucite, and acrylic decorative arts\u003c\/strong\u003e, from collectible Dunhill lighters to striking mid-century jewelry and design objects — each piece a testament to the ingenuity of 20th century creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nicholas-nickleby-ascot-1955-winner-dunhill-aquarium-lighter","title":"Nicholas Nickleby Ascot 1955 Winner Dunhill ‘Aquarium’ Lighter","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional and rare Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate, the top with raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse, above the lucite body carved with the thrilling victory Commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby winner the Royal Hunt Cup, Ascot in June, 1955. The base stamped DUNHILL LIGHTER ‘Made in England’\u003cbr\u003eEngland, circa 1955\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 10 cms (4 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor avid collectors of Dunhill Aquarium Half Giant Lighters, Ascot memorabilia and collectables, this Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate is a rare and exceptional find. The lucite body of the lighter features a thrilling victory scene commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby, the winner of the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot in June 1955. The top of the lighter has a raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe Royal Hunt Cup is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) and is an important event for horse racing enthusiasts and collectors alike. Established in 1843, the Royal Hunt Cup was originally contested on a right-handed course over 7 furlongs and 166 yards. The inaugural running was won by Knight of the Whistle, with a triple dead-heat for second between Bourra Tomacha, Epaulette, and Garry Owen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the race has undergone some changes. In 1930, the race’s distance was shortened to 7 furlongs and 155 yards, and in 1956, it was extended to its present length of 1 mile. Today, the race is run on a straight course and usually features a large field, making it an exciting and highly competitive event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one of three perpetual trophies at the five-day Royal Ascot meeting, the Royal Hunt Cup is highly prized by collectors of Ascot memorabilia and collectables. The other two perpetual trophies are the Gold Cup and the Queen’s Vase, which can be kept permanently by the winning owners. This Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate is a unique and valuable piece of Ascot history that would make a great addition to any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Royal Hunt Cup is currently held on the second day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. It is one of three perpetual trophies at the meeting, along with the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Ascot Gold Cup\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ascot_Gold_Cup\"\u003eGold Cup\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Queen's Vase\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queen's_Vase\"\u003eQueen’s Vase\u003c\/a\u003e, which can be kept permanently by the winning owners.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51276534546769,"sku":"23336","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/Dunhill-Racing-Horse-Special-Commission-Half-Giant-Table-Lighter-_7_1.webp?v=1750156254"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/0W2A4330.jpg?v=1757576096","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/perspex-lucite-acrylic.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}