Architecture and modernism lovers take note: an exceptional example of South Pasadena’s rich architectural diversity and sprawling gardens will serve as a setting for the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation’s Irving Gill Garden Gala. On Sunday, May 3, 2020, the Foundation will host a garden luncheon, a tribute to Irving J. Gill, docent-led tours and live and silent auctions at South Pasadena’s Miltimore House, the most significant residential project still standing that showcases architect Irving J. Gill’s singular creativity and forward thinking. Tickets are on sale now at https://sppreservation.org/irving-gill/

Never Before Open to the Public
Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for years the Miltimore House was a barely visible gem, hidden behind mature landscaping that covered its stunning columned trellis and clean lines. Thanks to current owners Mario and Therese Molina, the house has been brought back to its original splendor, and the Garden Gala will represent the first time ever that the home and gardens will be open to the public.

Ahead of His Time
Irving J. Gill (1870 –1936) was a pioneering American architect, often referred to as the father of architectural modernism. Most of Gill’s early classic modernist creations were built in what is now downtown San Diego between 1908 and 1920. His passion for simplicity and clean lines laid the groundwork for the Southern California mid-century modernists whose fame eclipsed his, including Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, and preceded the early International Style modernist work of Le Corbusier and the De Stijl group.

Perfectly Paired Visions
While many of these exceptional examples of Gill’s work have since fallen to wrecking balls in search of urban renewal and commercial development, the Miltimore House remains intact, representing one of the very best surviving examples of Gill’s mature work. Built in 1911, just as Craftsman homes were starting to prevail in South Pasadena, the home is a modernist counterpoint borne out of the remarkable vision of Mrs. Paul Miltimore and her architect of choice, Gill. She wanted a simple, elegant design, and eschewed fancy bric-a-brac and ornamentation. He had a passion for pure, clean lines, arches and cubes, and dispensing with the adornments of the day that would make cleaning and housework more difficult and time consuming. It was a match made in heaven.

Now, more than 100 years later and for the first time ever, the work of these two visionaries is available for public viewing, education, and enjoyment.

For more information, visit https://sppreservation.org/irving-gill/