July 31, 2014 - Today's adventure took us to Pasadena, CA for a sixty minute, docent led tour of the Gamble House. Originally intended as a winter residence for David and Mary Gamble of the Proctor and Gamble Company, the three-story Gamble House is the internationally recognized masterpiece of the turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts Movement in America. Its style shows influence from traditional Japanese aesthetics and a certain California spaciousness. The Craftsman style architecture was focused on the use of natural materials, attention to detail, aesthetics, and craftsmanship. The house and furnishings were designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 and is a symphony in wood.
The patio area off the back of the house is as serene as it is beautiful.
These are the main entrance doors into the house, each embellished with art glass.
Interior photography isn't allowed, but I was able to find some interior pictures on the Los Angeles Times web site. The photos below were taken by Al Seib, Anne Cusack, Francine Orr and Gary Friedman. The rooms were built using multiple kinds of wood; teak, maple, oak, Port Orford cedar, and mahogany. The wood surfaces are placed in sequence to bring out contrasts of color, tone and grain.
Since the house remained within the Gamble family during its entire history, all of the furniture is from 1908, when the architects designed the furniture to match each room.
The Japanese influence is clearly seen in the construction of the front porch.
The current book store was formerly the garage. The original brick work is dazzling.
It was an excellent tour and it was one of the better ones we've had here in SoCal.
We had stopped at Porto Via for paninis before starting the tour. Judy had their "Caprese," which is a panini consisting of fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil with a Balsamic reduction. I had their "Proz Moz," which is a Prosciutto, fresh Mozzarella, basil and oregano panini. We splurged today and split one of their double chocolate cupcakes for dessert. Yum!