Two hundred special guests, including descendants of Charles and Henry Greene, celebrated the opening of two landmark exhibitions at the Pasadena Museum of History that pay tribute to the region’s Arts & Crafts legacy at a benefit VIP Reception on Friday, September 5.  The evening also honored renowned architectural historian Robert W. Winter, Ph.D., who was named the Museum’s first Trustee Emeritus.  Dr. Winter retired from the PMH Board in 2007 following 20 years of active service.

The festive evening showcased the two new exhibits now on view at Pasadena Museum of History.  Living Beautifully: Greene & Greene in Pasadena explores the working partnership of legendary architects Charles and Henry Greene through representative objects and photos from the Greenes' early lives, schooling, apprenticeships, Pasadena office, workshop and homes.  The Art & Craft of Textile Design, 1860-1920 showcases exquisite textiles from Great Britain and continental Europe, as well as from significant private collections in Northern and Southern California, New York, Illinois and Maryland — many never before displayed for the public.  These exhibitions coincide with the centennial celebrations of nearby Gamble House, Charles and Henry Greene’s craftsman-style masterpiece. 

Enjoying the exhibits, dinner and entertainment, were Greene family members, exhibition curators Ann Chaves (Textile Design) and Bruce Smith (Greene and Greene), exhibition donors and lenders, representatives from The Gamble House, and many Museum supporters.  Signature sponsor for the event was Wells Fargo Private Client Services.  Other major sponsors were Bon Appétit Management Company and Pasadena Magazine.  The event raised $55,000  for the Museum's education programs.

Pictured above: Dr. Robert Winter (front) with (standing, l-r) Anne Mallek, curator, The Gamble House; Bruce Smith, curator, Living Beautifully: Greene and Greene in Pasadena; Karen Craid, president, PMH; Edward R. Bosley, director, The Gamble House.

Pictured at right: Dr. Winter with Ann Chaves, curator, The Art and Craft of Textile Design, 1860-1920.

ROBERT WINTER, Ph.D.

Robert Winter has long been a leading voice in support of the study and appreciation of Arts & Crafts design.  Dr. Winter began his career as a student at Dartmouth College before going on to complete his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.  He taught at Dartmouth, Bowdoin, and UCLA before joining the faculty at Occidental College in 1963, where he now holds the title Arthur G. Coons Professor of the History of Ideas, Emeritus.  In 2007 he was honored as a fellow of the Society of Architectural Historians.

Dr. Winter served as a PMH Trustee for more than 20 years.  He remains a good friend and highly valued advisor to the Museum's activities in education, programming, and collections.