Today we’d like to introduce you to David Judson.
Judson Studios was opened in 1897 by plein air painter William Lees Judson, the first dean of USC’s School of Fine Arts and Architecture. The business is 5th generation family owned, currently operated by me, David Judson- the great great grandson of William Lees Judson. Our historic landmark building in the Garvanza district of Highland Park acted as the home of USC’s School of Fine Arts and Architecture, as well as the Arroyo Guild of Fellow Craftspeople for much of the early 20th century. The Studios thrived from the start, beautifying the booming metropolis of Los Angeles with works that represented the best in traditional and modern design. Today, Judson Studios is the oldest family-run stained glass studio in America, still proudly offering an exquisite, handcrafted product made by local artisans, and continuing to serve the community that has sustained us through the decades.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working in a field that is project based means sometimes we are busy and sometimes we are slow, it’s feast or famine. We have been fortunate enough to work with designer, artists, and architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Green and Green, Train & Williams, and more recently with Commune Design, James Jean, and Sarah Cain to name a few. These partnerships have sustained us through the years and have cemented our reputation as one of the premier stained glass studios in the United States.
Please tell us about Judson Studios.
For over a century, Judson Studios has designed and fabricated traditional and contemporary stained, leaded, faceted, and fused glass for architectural spaces in Los Angeles and around the world. From public and commercial projects and partnerships to private homes and houses of worship, we bring a level of expertise and old-world craftsmanship that is matched only by our commitment to innovation in the service of artistry. The unique relationships we develop with our clients over time allow us to help others realize their highest visions, as our work honors and builds upon the Judson legacy. Some of our most recognized projects are Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House and Ennis House, Ace Hotel, USC’s Caruso Catholic Center and USC Village, Fig House in Highland Park, LA Natural History Museum, and the Resurrection Window in Leawood, KS which is the largest fused glass window in the world standing 94′ x 37′- or nearly the size of an NBA basketball court.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
As a child I would spend my summers working in the studio. My favorite place to work in the studio was the glass cutting room. It was always the most colorful part of the process, and seeing the way glass interacted with light is what inspired my passion in art glass.
Contact Info:
- Address: 200 S. Avenue 66, Los Angeles, CA 90042
- Website: www.judsonstudios.com
- Phone: (323) 255-0131
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judsonstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJudsonStudios/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/judsonstudios
Image Credit:
Kyle Mickelson
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