Author

Jean Mathison and Peter Schifando

Jean Hayden Mathison arrived in Los Angeles in 1946 and took a reception position with Mickey Rooney, Inc. at talent agency on Sunset Strip whose clients included Peter Lorre, The Will Mastin Trio and Andy Russell. After a two year respite in Seattle, she returned to Los Angeles in 1955 and joined the William Haines organization where she remained until 1985. As an assistant to William Haines and Ted Graber, she worked closely and traveled with them on their major decorating projects. Mathison now lives in West Hollywood where she is very active in community affairs and is involved with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, an animal rescue organization.

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Peter Schifando maintains the line of succession from William Haines to Ted Graber, incorporating William Haines Inc. under his own name in 1989 and working with Ted Graber until his retirement. His interest in the Haines designs and drawing upon original source material which he has collected since his arrival in 1986, led to the creation of this book. Associated with the interior designe studio of J. Jonathon Joseph in Boston since 1972, Schifando's practical experience included training in classical interiors and furniture designs. His design credits include private commissions across the country and the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California.