The Greene and Greene brothers, Charles Sumner Greene (1868-1957) and Henry Mather Greene (1870-1954), were pioneers of the American Arts and Crafts movement in architecture. Based in Pasadena, California, they designed intricately detailed houses and furnishings in the early 20th century. Their unique style came to be known as the “ultimate bungalow,” characterized by simple forms, fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmony between the structure and its surroundings. The Greene brothers left an indelible mark on residential architecture in Southern California.
Early Life and Education
Charles and Henry Greene were born two years apart in Brighton, Ohio. Their father was a physician and their mother was a suffragette and lover of literature. The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1880. As teenagers, the brothers worked as apprentice architects part-time for a local firm. Charles studied architecture at MIT in Boston from 1888-1889 before returning to St. Louis. Henry enrolled in 1893 at the Manual Training School of Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied architectural drawing.
In 1894, Charles moved to Pasadena, California for health reasons. Henry soon joined him and enrolled at the University of California in Berkeley while establishing his architectural practice. The brothers began collaborating on projects, finding interest in California’s Spanish Colonial and Japanese architecture. Their technical skills coupled with artisanal craftsmanship were a guiding force in their unique designs.
Architectural Style and Influences
The Greene brothers’ architectural style melded elements of the Arts and Crafts movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and California Craftsman ideals. Key influences included:
– The Arts and Crafts Movement: Originating in England in the mid-19th century, it emphasized simple forms, hand craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmony between house and environment. Greene and Greene adapted these ideals to California.
– Anglo-Japanese Style: The asymmetry, integration of nature, and intricacy of traditional Japanese design appealed to the Greenes. Their travel to Japan in 1907-1908 strengthened this influence.
– California Craftsman: Local interpretations of the Arts and Crafts style focused on natural woods, handmade crafts, and indoor-outdoor living suited to California’s mild climate. The Greenes blended these ideals into their work.
– Traditional Spanish and Swiss Architecture: Mission revival and chalet elements occasionally appeared in their projects as well.
The Greene brothers diverged from the often austere Arts and Crafts style by making lavish use of carefully selected woods, art glass, custom hardware, and other artisan details. Their work was characterized by:
– Simple lines and gabled roofs
– Exposure of structural elements
– Made-to-order furniture and fixtures
– Integration of nature through trellises, pergolas, sleeping porches, patios
– Intricate wood joinery and moldings
– Stained glass lanterns and windows
– Hand forged hardware, light fixtures, and other metalwork
This blend created the signature “ultimate bungalow” style of Greene and Greene.
Notable Projects
The Gamble House in Pasadena, built from 1908-1909, is the most famous Greene and Greene creation. It is an outstanding example of their principles in action. The Teitan Residence, Blacker House, Pratt House, and Cole House in Pasadena and the Arthur A. Libby Estate in Altadena represent other signature works. Some highlights of their most notable projects include:
The Gamble House (1908-1909)
– Built for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble family
– “Ultimate bungalow” style in its quintessential form
– Features open floor plan, sleeping porches, careful integration with the outdoors
– Extensive custom woodwork, including Honduran mahogany, oak, teak, and redwood
– Custom furniture, lighting fixtures, hardware, and art glass elements made on site
– Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978
Robert R. Blacker House (1907-1909)
– Built for Robert R. Blacker in Pasadena
– Japanese influences like cross-gable roofline, wood braces,TREEarched
– Custom built-ins, cabinetry, lanterns, and hardware
– Features Port Orford cedar shingles, mahogany trim, decorative attic vents
– Landscaping included ponds, tea house, Japanese garden
– Became a museum house after 1937
Horace G. Pratt House (1907-1908)
– Built for Horace G. Pratt in Pasadena
– Features redwood exterior shakes, mahogany windows, teak ceilings
– Notable for integration of nature via sleeping porches, patios, garden gates
– Custom cabinetry, lanterns, and hardware throughout
– Remodeled in 1921 but restored to original design since 2001
Cole House (1906-1907)
– Built for Los Angeles businessman Freeman L. Cole
– Blends Craftsman style with Swiss chalet influences
– Distinguished by brick exterior, multiple roof planes, mahogany trim
– Built-in window seats, cabinets, benches around brick fireplace
– Restored in 2001 to original design
Arthur A. Libby Estate (1905-1907)
– 17-acre estate built for Arthur A. Libby in Altadena
– Includes main house, carriage house, Japanese tea house, gatehouse
– One of few Greene & Greene designs integrating several structures
– House features Honduran mahogany, elaborate windows, custom hardware
– Tea house exhibits extensive wood joinery without nails/screws
– Entire estate designated a National Historic Landmark in 2004
Furniture and Interior Design
In addition to their architecture, the Greene brothers were highly regarded for their custom-designed interiors and furnishings. Their interior elements included:
– Built-in Features: Window seats, benches, cabinets, shelves, and detailing were constructed on-site from quality wood.
– Wood Paneling: Walls were often covered with intricately joined and pegged teak or mahogany panels.
– Furniture: They designed chairs, tables, beds, sofas, and cabinets featuring complex joinery.
– Lighting: Unique lanterns and sconces with stained glass were created.
– Hardware: Door hinges, latches, pulls, and locks were custom forged ironwork.
– Art Glass: Doors, windows, and light fixtures incorporated specially designed glass.
Their furnishings exemplified the same ideals as their houses, valuing design unity, natural materials, and artisanal craftsmanship. Each element complemented the whole. The Greene brothers’ chairs, tables, and cabinets are now collector’s items.
Later Years and Legacy
After 1910, economic factors led the Greenes to scale back their architectural practice. They designed and built fewer new homes but continued creating custom furnishings. Charles assembled a significant collection of their designs and other Craftsman artifacts, which became the basis for the Gamble House museum. After Charles’ death in 1957, this collection was donated to the University of Southern California.
The Greene brothers’ contributions to American architecture and design were immense. They pioneered the California bungalow style which became enormously popular across the country. Their brilliant craftsmanship and harmonious integration of nature influenced residential design for decades. An emphasis on holistic design and handmade artistry were central to their success. Today, Greene and Greene homes remain coveted works of living art. Their unique vision maintains an enduring and inspiring legacy.
Conclusion
Through their architecture, interiors, and furnishings, Charles and Henry Greene made an indelible impact on early 20th century American design. Blending influences from the Arts and Crafts movement, Japan, and California, they developed the iconic “ultimate bungalow” style. Their homes were total works of art emphasizing simplicity, craftsmanship, organic materials, and unity between house and environment. Masterworks like the Gamble House and Blacker House epitomize their ideals. The Greenes’ custom-designed furniture and fixtures, often site-built, were integral to their vision of harmonious living. Their uniquely Californian interpretation of the Craftsman style left an enduring legacy across America and beyond. The Greene brothers showed that beautiful, livable homes could be created through skill, artistry, and unity of vision.
