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.