Thematic Essay | Arts & Crafts Movement Arts & Crafts in PasadenaBy Jenny Hanzel
November 28, 2008 |
Pasadena is more like a European village on the outskirts of Paris or Vienna, than a city in Southern California. It has more examples of Arts & Crafts architecture than anywhere else. |
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Arts & Crafts House, c. 1890 |
In a brief time at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, Pasadena was inspired to become more like a European village on the outskirts of Paris or Vienna, than a city in Southern California.
Pasadena today has more examples of Arts & Crafts architecture than anywhere else in the U.S. The earliest European settlers to this fertile valley beneath the San Gabriel Mountains and a few miles above Los Angeles, established vineyards, orchards, and ranches.
However, by 1884, Pasadena began to attract the attention of railroad magnates, steel barons, and industrialists. The Santa Fe Railway was brought in, there was a real estate boom, and great hotels such as Mansard Victorian and Wentworth were built, modeled after the magnificent country hotels of Europe, with spas, swimming pools, and riding trails.
By 1900, Easterners were arriving in large numbers, seeking relief from harsh winters, looking for sunlight and leisure. The wealthiest hired famous architects such as Charles and Henry Greene, to design and build grand homes along the sycamore-lined boulevards.
By 1908, Pasadena had become a showcase for the Arts & Crafts Movement (American Craftsman Style). Arts & Crafts, which began in England in response to mass-produced furniture, clothing, and jewelry, emphasized handmade artisanship, authentic materials, and meticulous detail.
