Judson Studios

Beneath the California sun, nestled in the artistic haven of Highland Park, lies a treasure trove of stained glass artistry: Judson Studios. This isn’t just any studio. It’s a living legacy, a testament to the enduring power of creativity and craftsmanship. Judson Studios, founded in the late 1890s by William Lees Judson and his sons, originally began in downtown Los Angeles under the name Colonial Art Glass Co. Imagine the bustling Mott Alley, near the Old Plaza and Union Station, where the Judsons first plied their craft. This area, sadly, was later demolished for the construction of the Hollywood Freeway, but the Judson spirit lived on. In 1920, the studio found its permanent home in Highland Park, a move that would solidify its place in Los Angeles history. The very building itself is a historical landmark, recognized by the city in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Judson Studios became a cornerstone of the Arroyo Arts and Crafts Movement, a group that included prominent artists like William Lees Judson himself. He wasn’t just a stained-glass artist. He was a painter, a teacher, and even the founder of the Los Angeles College of Fine Arts. Judson Studios wasn’t limited to just stained glass. They worked with tile, mosaic, and even collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright on the iconic Hollyhock House and Ennis House. The studio’s reputation grew, attracting talented artists from even the renowned Tiffany Studios. Judson Studios has witnessed the evolution of Los Angeles. From the boom in church construction after World War II, which fueled a demand for stained glass, to the modern collaborations with street artists, the studio has adapted and thrived. Today, David Judson, the great-great-grandson of William Lees Judson, leads the studio into the 21st century, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation. Judson Studios isn’t just a business. It’s a family legacy. It’s a story woven in vibrant glass, a story that continues to unfold with every new creation. Look around you. From the dome at the Natural History Museum to the windows at the Hollyhock House, the legacy of Judson Studios shines throughout Los Angeles.