Decorative Haute: The Furniture of Charles Rohlfs

In researching yesterday’s Haute 5 Home Décor shops, I came across another kind of décor installation worthwhile either for those seeking furnishing inspiration, or merely art appreciation.

Artistic furniture designer Charles Rohlfs (1853-1936) was considered part of the American Arts & Crafts movement, but his work really stands out on its own. He took inspiration from Art Nouveau, as well as Asian, English, German and Moorish motifs. The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs is the first major exhibition of his work, having premiered in Milwaukee and traveling across the country until it finishes at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art this fall. But it’s here at Pasadena’s Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens until September 6 (that’s right, for once we get something before New York).

If you’ve never visited The Huntington, it’s definitely one of our city’s biggest cultural treasures. Founded by railroad and utility magnate Henry Huntington in 1919, it began as a research library, then expanded to include 120 acres of botanical gardens (popular for weddings) and art collections. Rare books there include a first folio Shakespeare and a Gutenberg bible. Gainsborough’s Blue Boy is just one of many significant artworks, alongside prints by Rembrandt and Dürer, canvases by Cassatt, Hopper, Benton and Sargent, and a large collection of Edward Weston photographs. There is also a wing devoted to noted Pasadena architects Charles and Henry Greene.

The property also hosts chamber music concerts, flower sales, children’s events, and more.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is located at1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100