Redmond Historical Society speaker to focus on the Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest
Published 2:44 pm Monday, November 4, 2013
The ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement inspired architecture and a broad range of design arts in the Pacific Northwest in the early 20th century. Recognized architectural expert and author Larry Kreisman will explore the background behind the region’s significant contribution to the style from 10:30 a.m. to noon this Saturday at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 N.E. 80th St. He is speaking as part of the Redmond Historical Society Saturday Speaker Series. There is a suggested $5 donation for non-members. 
Both Washington and Oregon participated actively in the national Arts and Crafts movement, producing work that included architecture, furniture, lighting, pottery, stained glass, textiles and basketry. The movement was encouraged by exposure at two world’s fairs that put the Pacific Northwest on the national and international map — Portland’s Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905 and Seattle’s Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. Many of the successful designs were influenced by the setting, climate, local raw materials, crafts of native inhabitants and exposure to Pacific Rim cultures.
According to Kreisman, currently program director of Historic Seattle, “Willowmoor, the James Clise estate in Redmond and Hollywood Farm, the Frederick Stimson estate in Woodinville, show the extent to which the American Arts and Crafts Movement influenced architecture and interior design trends for well-to-do businessmen wishing to be ‘country gentlemen,’ as much as it impacted thousands of first-time home buyers and builders of affordable bungalows and Craftsman homes in the growing cities and suburbs of Washington and Oregon.”
Kreisman’s presentation is based upon his critically acclaimed book, “The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest,” co-authored by Glenn Mason. He was also co-curator of an exhibit on the same topic at MOHAI in 2009. Kreisman has been recognized for significant work in bringing public attention to the Northwest’s architectural heritage and its preservation through courses, tours, exhibits, lectures, articles and seven books.
The Saturday Speaker Series is a monthly program presented by the Redmond Historical Society on every second Saturday September-May (with the exception of December). Topics range from local, state and Pacific Northwest historical interest.
The Redmond Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives support from the City of Redmond, 4 Culture, Nintendo, the Bellevue Collection and Humanities Washington as well as from other donors and members.
Historical photos of the Clise Mansion billiards room and living room:
