American architect Cleo Baldon (1927-2014) was a pioneering figure in the worlds of furniture design, architecture, and landscape design. Baldon is recognized for bringing the concept of outdoor aspirational living to residences across Southern California. Her inspired furniture designs are at the top of collector’s lists, while her pool structures and outdoor living environments are still being admired today. Born in Leavenworth, Washington, Ms. Baldon came to Los Angeles to attend Woodbury University. She profoundly influenced California’s outdoor living and swimming pool culture and has been credited for famously introducing the lap pool concept to California back in 1970.

Cleo Baldon Designed Over 3,000 Swimming Pools

Cleo Baldon established the Venice-based landscape design firm Galper-Baldon Associates, a landscape architectural firm responsible for creating stunning outdoor environments across Los Angeles. She was passionate about transforming bland yards and backyards into lush, inviting spaces. Her partner, Sid Galper was the horticulturalist in the design practice. Baldon claimed she didn’t understand plants – that was strictly Sid’s territory. Throughout Southern California, Baldon created more than 3,000 swimming pools and was granted a design patent on the contour spa with seating designed to provide maximum comfort underwater.

(Above) Extremely rare, iron and leather lounge chair, a hand-crafted studio piece from Baldon’s furniture company Terra, c.1960s. An excellent example of Baldon’s emphasis on quality construction hand-forged iron, leather and fir wood. Also known as the “saddle pack” chair with overstuffed armrests draping over the structural frame, referencing the designer’s inspiration from the American West. This design element is also seen in works by Sergio Rodrigues and Percival Lafer. Background fabric from Perennials – Far West collection in the Baja West pattern/Sol colorway.

The Terra Collection

In addition to her architectural work, Baldon designed furniture, forming the company Terra with her partner Sid Galper. Instead of approaching outside furniture manufacturers with her designs, they created their own manufacturing company to make their line of products. At the time Baldon stated, “the only other option out there for quality outdoor furniture at the time was Brown Jordan.”

(Above) Campaign-style bar stools. Baldon’s classic “X-bar” model in oak and hand-forged iron, c. 1960s. A fantastic addition to stylish residential cocktail culture, both indoors and out.

A pair of Campaign style chairs from Terra’s Contract line c.1960s. This chair was part of Pasadena Art Museum’s California Design/Nine exhibit in 1965. Wrought iron frames are highlighted by fumed oak rods. The rings around the intersections of the X-base are notable iconic elements in Baldon’s original designs. She knew of four companies that copied her designs.

As a furniture designer, she is particularly known for her Terra collection, emphasizing quality materials in her outdoor furniture designs. Baldon’s modern yet classic aesthetic has been said to have been inspired by the West’s rustic outdoors, from saddles to cowboy boots as well as some Mission-style furnishings she recalls seeing in her aunt’s home as a child. This influence is readily apparent in her designs, which often boasted sophisticated yet rugged structural frameworks and elements of the wild.

(Above) Saddle Bag Indoor/Outdoor Sofa, c.1960s. One of the most elegant pieces from Baldon’s Terra Collection. This 3-seater sofa reflects the designer’s hand-crafted iron forged frame and overstuffed cushions inspired by Western culture.

An iconic tufted bench from the Terra Collection, c. 1960s. Featuring Baldon’s classic X-base, this piece features rounded oak rods and a rectangular block running along the length of the bench as a footrest.

Outdoor California Living

It was Cleo Baldon’s and Sid Galper’s mission to create durable, high-quality furniture that customers around the world could enjoy. The line of furniture products she introduced did phenomenally well. Her contribution to luxury living continues today as her pieces remain highly collectible. Ms. Baldon was married for more than 50 years to Ib Melchior, a film director, novelist, and screenwriter. Her vision and dedication to her craft will continue to inspire the next generation of creatives, and her lasting legacy can be seen through her notable body of work.

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