I was contacted last year with a dream project; to create some Maher-esque glass and mosaic designs for a home inspired by his Prairie School work. Maher, one of my favorite architects, used leaded glass and mosaic in many of his commissions throughout his career. I used the mosaic from the Schultz House in Kenilworth, Illinois as a starting point and the massive oak in the client’s front yard provided the subject matter I used to develop these designs.

George Washington Maher, Fireplace Mosaic, Schultz House, Winnetka, Illinois, 1907.
Fabricated by Orlando Giannini.

This window shows Maher’s unique use of a plant motif. It’s stylized just enough to conform with the design and function of the window. Maher often chose a stylized plant that he integrated throughout the decorative designs of a house. And the arch top is another design signature he employed during his Prairie period.

George Washington Maher, Leaded Glass window, Blinn House, Pasadena, California, 1906.
Fabricated by Orlando Giannini.

We made these Oak and Acorn kitchen cabinetry panels from a combination of opalescent and iridescent glass.

This mosaic panel was created for an inset in the brick fireplace.