Greene & Greene

By 1906, when the Greenes began construction of a second home for former client Dr. William T. Bolton, the scope of their work as architects had expanded to encompass every detail of the interior, including the furnishings, to create a total unity of design within their commissions.  The Greenes had by now established a relationship with Peter and John Hall, self-trained craftsmen who were capable of producing the Greenes’ elegant designs to the exacting specifications they demanded.  Before the Bolton house was finished, and with only the dining room furniture completed, Dr. Bolton passed away.  His wife returned East, renting the home to Mrs. Belle Barlow Bush.

After taking up residence in the Bolton house, Mrs. Belle Barlow Bush not only continued with production of furniture designs intended by the Greenes for the house, but she also added her own special requests to the commission.  One of these was the mahogany, silver and leaded glass curio cabinet offered here.  The double door cabinet is glazed with tinted glass of pale taupe and blue.  On each side are handsome silver handles.  The right door opens to reveal a central niche flanked by shaped shelves above a row of three drawers with exquisitely carved pulls.  The left side of the cabinet is fitted with shelves above one long drawer.  The combination of carved details, colored glass and silver is without question sumptuous, and yet this design—by Charles—serves its purpose nobly, to show off, rather than show up, Mrs. Bush’s beloved keepsakes.  For her daughters Mrs. Bush had two additional curio cabinets made by her nephew, Walter Gripton, who had his own cabinetmaking shop in Pasadena.