Fashion

One hundred years ago, David and Mary Gamble (heirs to the Procter and Gamble fortune) built a winter home in beautiful Pasadena, California. Designed by Charles and Henry Greene, the house remained in the family for two generations. In 1966, Gamble’s grandchildren gifted the house, furniture and fittings to the City of Pasadena in a joint agreement with the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. Now a National Historic Landmark and museum, The Gamble House is a celebrated example of American Arts & Crafts architecture and is known as the finest and most complete manifestation of the work of brothers Charles and Henry Greene.

Set against a cozy backdrop of friends and family gathered to celebrate a winter holiday, this exhibit recaptures the warmth of the Gamble Family home. Represented are David and Mary Gamble; their two sons Sidney and Clarence; Mary’s sister Julia Higgins; a family of visitors; and the household staff, all dressed in historic ensembles loaned by the FIDM Museum. The historic garments on exhibit are similar to those worn by the family a century ago and provide an instructive contrast with the Gambles’ luxurious and dramatic surroundings.