Greene & Greene Furniture: Poems of Wood & Light

by David Mathias

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 DirectorThe Gamble House, PasadenaSchool of Architecture, University of Southern California

Genres: Woodwork

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

David Mathias is an author and photographer with a background in computer science. He was educated at the University of Delaware (B.S.) and Washington University in St. Louis (M.S., D.Sc.). He was a college instructor for fourteen years before abandoning computer science, academia and a paycheck for the full-time pursuit of writing. David has published articles in Popular Woodworking, Woodwork, Style 1900 and American Bungalow. His first book, Greene & Greene Furniture: Poems of Wood & Light, is an examination of the houses and furniture of Charles and Henry Greene.

While researching Poems of Wood & Light, David had the opportunity and privilege to visit and photograph many Greene & Greene homes including the Gamble, Blacker, Robinson, Ford and Thorsen houses and to see and photograph their furniture in museums across the United States. Nearly three years in the making, the book is the culmination of an unlikely and incredibly fortuitous sequence of events that constitute the most satisfying experience of his professional life. David's interests include photography, architecture, woodworking and hiking. He currently lives near Vevey, Switzerland with his wife Patty and sons Dylan and Zachary.

Reviews

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 4 out of 5]

In all honesty I did not read/finish the whole book but read a decent portion of it.

Gave me an excellent insight into the mindset behind Greene and Greene design, as I want to build some Greene and Greene style furniture as a woodworker.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with the craftsman aesthetic and this book did a lovely job, complete with fantastic illustrations, of exploring Greene and Greene's design scope- from tables and chairs to lighting fixtures and wall panels.

[Pianomama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice photographic collection of Greene & Greene works. Mathias provides unique insight around the various Greene and Green Buildings and furniture. It is American history in Architecture, Furniture, and Woodworking.

[Marissa Barbieri]

The latest book about my most favorite designing humans to have ever lived. Truly truly gorgeous work!