Awakening of a style.
By David Mathias & Robert W. Lang
Pages: 66-70
From the August 2008 issue #170
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One hundred years ago, two brothers were in the midst of an amazing period of creative success. It was an enduring, unique style that is immediately recognizable. Charles and Henry Greene were brothers. The style is a fusion of Arts & Crafts and Asian influences. It also reflects a casual California sensibility, obsessive attention and an obsession with detail.
Few understand the work of Greene & Greene better than Jim Ipekjian. He pointed out a subtle difference at the stairs while visiting a Greene & Greene house. After more than a decade in the house, the homes surprised owner had not noticed the subtle distinction. This is likely common as the Greenes put considerable thought and effort into details that few would notice, or have the opportunity to see.
Greene & Greene’s earliest commissions were small but beautifully executed homes that reflected the time. Within a decade of opening their practice, they were working on more substantial homes and began designing the interiors as well.
Drawings dating back to 1903 depict rooms that include built-ins or Stickley pieces.
The Blacker, Ford, Gamble, Pratt and Thorsen houses, built between 1907 and 1910, constitute an amazing body of work in a fully realized, mature style; the culmination of a brief yet astounding period of development.
This is the first article in a series that examines the Greene & Greene design and a remarkable evolution. This article will give a general overview of the evolution of the style. Next, we will look at the details of some of the well-known furniture designs by the brothers. Everyday objects can look beautiful. The third article will be about doors, as well as the kitchen and bath cabinets.
Online Extras
To view additional photos in PDF format, click here (2.12 MB).
Click here to download a PDF listing of additional resources about the Greene brothers’ work.
From the August 2008 issue #170
Buy this issue now
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