For those of you, like me, who cherish the Adamson House in Malibu as a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and for its gorgeous tile work, you don’t want to miss “Glaze a Tile” fundraiser this Sunday, Sept. 28.
Have a champagne lunch, glaze your own tile, have fun and know that you are raising funds to help preserve a unique architectural gem that is a National Historic Site, California Historical Landmark, and a California State Park.
Mind you, when you see my tile (if, indeed, I let anyone see it at all), you’ll know why I became a design historian rather than an artist. My tiles come out looking awful, and when I try to fix my mistakes with my finger, it only gets worse.
But it doesn’t matter if you have artistic ability or not. And maybe you’ve never been to the Adamson house; the fundraiser will be a perfect opportunity for you to be introduced to – and fall in love with – this one-of-a-kind, beachfront jewel with its interesting history.
I fell in love with the Adamson House many years ago when I was a design student at UCLA Extension. It has played an important part in my career as a design historian, teacher and consultant. It has helped me develop an eye for detail – and what incredible detail can be found in this house! From the tile work to the “donkey-arch” fireplaces and windows to the carved leather light sconces to the decorative paintings on some of the ceilings and walls, this house is a visual feast.
I
was so taken with the Adamson House on my first visit that over the years, I have been a lecturer there, I have helped to train docents, and I have taken many students to the site. Currently, I am the Vice President of the Board of the Malibu Adamson House Foundation.
The best way to get the rich and engaging story of this house and its inhabitants is to take a docent-led tour. But I encourage you to check out the Adamson House website to get a sense of the property and its history, as well as a glimpse of the family that built the beach house, Rhoda Rindge and Merritt Huntley Adamson, and their relationship to Malibu Potteries.
And by all means, join us for a wonderful afternoon of tile glazing and camaraderie on what promises to be a gorgeous day in Malibu.
Eleanor Schrader is an award winning architectural and interior design historian, professor and consultant who lectures worldwide on the history of architecture, interiors, furniture, and decorative arts. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
