An Amble Around the Gamble

An Amble Around the Gamble

The architectural brethren team of Greene and Greene, created (with the expertise of many) The Gamble  House, a  magnificent Arts and Crafts masterpiece in Pasadena, Ca,  It is also  a National Historic Landmark and museum.  The Greenes designed the house in 1908, for the Gamble family, of Proctor and Gamble fame.

Hallmarks of the  Arts and Crafts Movement in American Craftsman style architecture include the use of natural materials, attention to detail, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.

The Greenes, brothers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, were influenced by  traditional Japanese aesthetics, though they never, as we were told, visited Japan.   Outdoor  and indoor space were considered of equal importance in the design, as the Greenes used nature as a guide.

Relief and shelter from the hot sun of Southern California climes were created through wide, overhanging eaves.

The use of wood seems to be celebrated through the design, as well as the juxtaposition of textures, earthy, natural colors, and the finishes and hues of stone, metals, glass and patina, all reflecting the expression and experience of nature, the passing of time, and even planned imperfections,  which were part of the architectural and design philosophy.

Exterior porches  such as the one below are found off three of the second-floor bedrooms and were used for sleeping or entertaining. This one was used by the sons of David and Mary Gamble, as told to us by our amiable  and hardworking guide, who was entrusted with taking us through the entire first floor, and front exterior of the house in 20 minutes!  I think she stretched it to 1/2 hour, but she did it!

We will continue our “Amble Around the Gamble” series in the next post, with a focus  on some of  the wondrous exterior details of The Gamble House.  Hopefully, with a longer time next in Pasadena, I will be able to celebrate the interior of the house, right here on “Artissima, blog of ArtiFactory Studio“. Ciao for now!

Have You ever visited The Gamble House, seen the work of Greene and Greene, or other Arts and Crafts buildings?

If so, please share about it with us here.  We love to hear from You.

Remember, we are all ambling and gambling our way through this thing called Life, together.  Happy Trails!

An Amble through the Gamble

An Amble through the Gamble

The architectural brethren team of Greene and Greene, created (with the expertise of many) this magnificent Arts and Crafts masterpiece in Pasadena, Ca,  for the Gamble family, of Proctor and Gamble fame.  The Gambles lived there three months out of the year.

On Tuesdays, starting at 11:30am, you can bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy in the Gamble gardens behind the house, and then take a short (planned for 20 minutes!) tour of its first floor, for $5.00.

As many other of Pasadena’s wonders, such as the Norton Simon Museum, are closed on Tuesdays, this mini-tour is a wonderful option. And, the gardens are lovely…tables are set up for ease of dining.  Out tour was composed of several other travelers, passing though town.

An expanse of green/Greene lawn stretches between the main house and what used to be the garage, and is now

the wondrous bookstore.  Fascinating and beautiful both outside,

and in,  the temptation to browse for hours may very well descend upon you.  Delightful gifts may be found within its walls.

Indeed, the whole experience is a gift, one of many that Pasadena offers.

Stay tuned for the next post, in which I will share some of the marvelous architectural details  and accoutrements, of  The Gamble House!    Gambling on the Gamble…you can bet on it!!!

Have You ever visited The Gamble House, seen the work of Greene and Greene, or other Arts and Crafts buildings?

If so, please share about it with us here.  We love to hear from You.

Remember, we are all ambling and gambling our way through this thing called Life, together.  Happy Trails!