Myth and Mirage

Inland Southern California, Birthplace of the Spanish Colonial Revival

Riverside Museum

Artbook

2017

The Spanish Colonial Revival style has been part of the aesthetic fabric of Southern California for over 100 years.

While Spanish Colonial Revival landmarks are well known throughout the region, examples of such works in the Inland Empire have largely been forgotten.

Myth and Mirage is the first comprehensive documentation of the substantial contributions to the Spanish Colonial Revival style in California’s Inland Empire region. Claiming ties between Southern California and Colonial Spain and Mexico, architects and designers helped to create romanticized perceptions of California. Adaptations of the style gradually became less accurately associated with Mission and Spanish Colonial style. Contemporary architects are now demonstrating an interest in an “authentic” style.

From the publisher ↗