The saving and preservation of Batchelder and other artisan tiles will be featured at the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation’s annual meeting in the newly restored Woman’s Club on Thursday, June 26, at 6 p.m. Open to the Public.
The decorative tiles were popular in homes and buildings built in the early 20th century.
“Houses of all sizes in South Pasadena have Batchelder and other artisan tiles on their fireplaces,” said SPPF President Jennifer Trotoux. “In so many cases, these were the only features left from houses in Altadena that burned in the Eaton fires.
Sponsored by Mission Tile West, the evening features Save the Tiles co-founder Stanley Zucker and South Pasadena mason Cliff Douglas, who “will tell their story of community-based preservation in action,” said Trotoux. Save the Tiles was formed for the skillful rescue of historic tiles on fireplaces remaining after homes burned in the Eaton fire.
The program includes first-hand accounts of the inspiring work of people “using their skills and community connections to safeguard something that is unique and special out of all that loss,” Trotoux continued. “The salvaged tiles represent that effort in this terrible moment and provide something tangible from families’ lost homes.”
The meeting will showcase the newly restored South Pasadena Woman’s Club, 1424 Fremont Avenue, which has undergone extensive interior restoration since SPPF’s meeting last June.
The club “committed to transforming the interiors of their historic building this year,” said Trotoux. “I think everyone will be thrilled at the chance to see the interior transformation of the Woman’s Club.”
Admission is free, and the public is invited to the program and meeting, which includes complimentary food and drink. The evening also includes the annual report of SPPF activities and the installation of new board members.
