Greene Greene Furniture

One hundred years ago Charles and Henry Greene developed a new and distinctive architectural and decorative style that blended Arts & Crafts and Asian influences with California sensibility and obsessive attention to detail. That innovative style is instantly recognizable today. "David Mathias, author of this richly personal appreciation of the Greenes…comes to Greene and Greene from the perspective of an amateur woodworker with a fine aesthetic sense. Through his writing we are able to appreciate the Greenes' houses and furnishings almost as if we were hearing from one of their builders. Through stunning and perceptive new photography, the illustrated spaces and furnishings illuminate the genius of the Greenes' designs, material selection and craft, which has caused so many to celebrate and be seduced by their work…Being a woodworker, Mathias also pays due homage to John and Peter Hall, the Swedish brothers who worked closely with the Greenes on their finest houses. Mathias correctly grasps how without the Halls, the Greenes would lack a significant measure of the reputation that they enjoy today. Relatively few writers have focused exclusively on Greene and Greene, and so it is a privilege whenever a talented one such as Mr. Mathias comes along. Be forewarned that through this book his seduction may become yours, too." Edward R. Bosley, James N. Gamble Director The Gamble House, Pasadena School of Architecture, University of Southern California

Greene and Greene furniture, recognized as the finest expression of the American Arts and Crafts movement, is presented as working shop drawings for the first time. These drawings offer accurate front, side, top and detail views in addition to complete cutting lists.

This text presents an overview of the architectural careers of Charles and Henry Greene. Their projects are categorized into periods and styles, beginnning in 1894 in Pasadena, and culminating in their separate careers, with Charles practising in Carmel and Henry remaining in Pasadena.

Legendary architects and designers Charles and Henry Greene created a uniquely American style in the Arts & Crafts tradition, and this book combines a detailed understanding of their design aesthetic with specific shop instructions for re-creating their works. Filled with step-by-step instructions, extensive illustrations, and full-color photographs, the book features several full projects for making replica Greene & Greene furniture complete with authentic details such as ebony plugs and splines, waterfall legs, and curved drawer pulls. Showing today's woodworkers precisely how the Greenes achieved their unique designs, ""In the Style of Greene & Greene"" also includes valuable advice on incorporating Arts & Crafts elements into new designs.

Takes a look at the work and the lives of the architects Charles and Henry Greene who were famous for their work using the Craftsman style

Considered among the highest achievements of the American arts and crafts movement, Greene & Greene furniture was custom-built for specific interior spaces, and many of the pieces still remain in their original locations. This manual, written by a nationally recognised furniture maker, provides intermediate and advanced woodworkers with well illustrated, step-by-step instructions for classic Greene & Greene details, including ebony plugs, cloud lifts, leg indents, brackets, and pulls. A discussion of the design philosophy of the period accompanies how-to chapters, and photographs of contemporary Greene-inspired furniture provide ideas for projects. Biographical sketches are included for Charles and Henry Greene, Peter and John Hall (who built most of the furniture), and competing furniture maker Gustav Stickley.

One hundred years ago Charles and Henry Greene developed a new and distinctive architectural and decorative style that blended Arts & Crafts and Asian influences with California sensibility and obsessive attention to detail. That innovative style is instantly recognizable today. "David Mathias, author of this richly personal appreciation of the Greenes…comes to Greene and Greene from the perspective of an amateur woodworker with a fine aesthetic sense. Through his writing we are able to appreciate the Greenes' houses and furnishings almost as if we were hearing from one of their builders. Through stunning and perceptive new photography, the illustrated spaces and furnishings illuminate the genius of the Greenes' designs, material selection and craft, which has caused so many to celebrate and be seduced by their work…Being a woodworker, Mathias also pays due homage to John and Peter Hall, the Swedish brothers who worked closely with the Greenes on their finest houses. Mathias correctly grasps how without the Halls, the Greenes would lack a significant measure of the reputation that they enjoy today. Relatively few writers have focused exclusively on Greene and Greene, and so it is a privilege whenever a talented one such as Mr. Mathias comes along. Be forewarned that through this book his seduction may become yours, too." Edward R. Bosley, James N. Gamble Director The Gamble House, Pasadena School of Architecture, University of Southern California