How Is Charles And Henry Greene And Their Contribution To The Arts And Crafts Evolution Of Architecture?

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Greene and Greene are renowned for their contribution to the arts and crafts evolution of architecture and have created a “native California” style that is widely recognized. Their work has influenced the high-arts aesthetics of the American Art and Crafts Movement to this day.

Charles and Henry Greene were two brothers whose love for tools, materials and craftsmanship flourished into one of the most well known architectural forces of the 20th century. In high school, the two delved into carpentry and metalworking Due to their early training at the prestigious MIT in Boston they were able to join several prominent architecture firms in Boston, some of which upheld the noted Henry Hobson Richardson principles of design. They eventually ended up in Pasadena where they would open their own architectural practice in 1894. The office of Greene and Greene hit its peak productivity during 1902-1910 with residential design being the main focus. They had a flare for the decorative arts and designed their furniture in a more ergonomic way rather than most furiniture being done during that time. (“Greene and Greene Homes”)

When Charles Greene married, he took a four month honeymoon to Europe where he traveled through England and Scotland, his inspiration for the English Arts and Crafts movement was ignited. In 1903, Greene and Greene began developing ways to offer integrated design services for their clients, which would mean they would have a more hands on approach in overseeing the design and construction of the furniture and various interior design appointments. They managed to accomplish 150 projects during their peak years. Although they proved to be a hot commodity in the architectural world, Greene and Greene experienced a period of...

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The innovative and development style of the Greene brothers is very much distinguishable in the design world and has given California a significant staple in signature architecture seen today. Many of their works and drawings can be seen in various museums and many tours of homes they have done are offered. Greene and Greene delivered the high-art flare to the American Arts and Crafts and created a style that turned everything they designed into a work of valued art itself.

Bibliography/Citations

Bosley, Edward R. Greene & Greene. London: Phaidon, 2003. Print.

Bosley, Edward R., and Anne E. Mallek. A New and Native Beauty: The Art and Craft of Greene & Greene. London: Merrell, 2008. Print.

"Greene and Greene Homes." Greene & Greene. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2014.
http://www.arts-crafts.com/archive/acarchs/greene-greene-1.shtml

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