Editor's Note: Popular Woodworking contributor David Mathias continues his reports from the Craftsman Weekend in Pasadena, Calif.Saturday, October 20I want to choose my words carefully so as not to overstate my thoughts. Today was one of the best days of my life. I think that’s about right. It was one of those days in which everything falls into place perfectly. One of those days that exceeds all expectations.Before I get to what I did, I should point out what I didn’t do. There is no way to participate in all of the events that are part of Craftsman Weekend. Literally no way. Some of them conflict. I had a choice between the Greene & Greene bus tour and a trip to, and tour of, Sam Maloof’s shop. I chose the bus tour. I’ll wait a moment for those of you swearing at your screens and calling me an idiot. Done? OK. Did I mention that on the bus tour we got to tour the interiors of two Greene & Greene houses? That was the clincher for me. Now that the tour is over I can honestly say that I don’t regret the decision one bit.
One of the houses we got to tour was designed in 1906 by Greene & Greene for Caroline Deforest. While not as grand as the Ultimate Bungalows, it is a beautiful home, a home in which I could easily imagine living. Because the house is currently for sale (if you have to ask the price…) we were permitted to take photos inside. The Greenes had not yet discovered the ebony peg. Visual interest was created with round-head brass screws, which I initially mistook for round pegs, on many surfaces. The effect is very pleasing. Board and batten cabinets are original and in excellent condition as are original lighting fixtures. The dining room chandelier has been altered (to imitate that in the Duncan-Irwin house) but the wood elements are original. Numerous large windows, a Greene & Greene signature element, provide a feeling of openness despite ceilings that are low by today’s standard.
In the afternoon we had time to browse the exhibition hall. Vendors included antiques dealers and contemporary artisans of every stripe: furniture, pottery, glass, textiles and lighting. If your Arts & Crafts home needs it, it was there. One of the highlights for me was seeing the work of John Hamm. John is a glass artist who makes pieces that look very much like the originals created for the Greenes by Emil Lange. In fact, his work is in multiple Greene & Greene homes, including the fantastic Blacker house. John was a pleasure to speak with. There was one small piece in his booth that I lusted after all weekend. The exhibition was very impressive and very well run. It’s a must-see if you are in Pasadena for Craftsman Weekend.
The evening event today was the featured house tour and reception, an annual event. This year’s house: The Henry Robinson estate. Built in 1905 by Peter Hall, his first collaboration with the Greenes, the Robinson house is spectacular. Clocking in at 12,000 square feet on several acres at the edge of the arroyo, both the house and the view from it are breathtaking. The house, once the victim of neglect and bad taste, has been lovingly restored by the current owners, who were at the reception and are obviously quite proud of their accomplishment.Many times I have read that the Greene/Hall collaboration was an important factor in the Greenes’ rapid evolution. Seeing the Robinson house made me understand that claim. The furniture in the Robinson is clearly a leap forward. The dining room furniture in particular is wonderful. (Interestingly, the original furniture is in a recreation of the room in the Huntington Library while reproductions are in the actual dining room.) The dining room table is a precursor to the Gamble dining table. Living room built-ins are also exceptional. The furniture in the home includes details that are different from, though just as beautiful, as those with which we are familiar from the Greenes’ better-known work. One very interesting example is that cloudlifts have been replaced with a dovetail-shaped element providing a similar effect.I don’t know how the day could have been any better. It’ll be hard to top but I’m open to trying.
David Mathias
Thanks David, we are looking forward to more.