Issue 188 February 12th 2020

The Headlines

Video Archive: Frank Lloyd Wright In Madison — 1958

A recently posted video from the WKOW 27 News archives shows Frank Lloyd Wright meeting with Madison, Wisconsin city leaders in 1958. At the time, Wright was completing plans for the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center that he originally designed in 1938 as a cultural, governmental and recreational building.

Wright reworked the design several times between 1938 and 1958 before signing off on the final plans seven weeks before his death in 1959, according to a history on the Monona Terrace website. Madison voters approved referenda in 1992 to construct Monona Terrace on the same site Wright had originally proposed years earlier.

The 1958 video also shows Wright attending a large luncheon, as well as file footage of the Taliesin property in Spring Green. See it here.

Abstracting Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright found inspiration in geometric shapes from a young age, when his mother introduced him to an educational tool called Froebel Blocks or "gifts." Each of the "gifts" are numbered one through ten and include simple objects like blocks, sticks, and cards. These objects are meant to encourage learning through play, observation, experimentation, and storytelling. The Froebel blocks are often cited as one of the foundations of Wright’s design principles, inspiring him to look at all organic and non-organic objects in geometric form. Check out more on this engaging topic over at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's blog The Whirling Arrow here.

Seven Spots Where You Can See Big-Name Architecture In Small-Town America

If you thought big cities had the monopoly on great architecture, then the American small towns Smithsonian magazine recently showcased will make you think again. Many of the most venerated architects of the 20th century (including Frank Lloyd Wright) built smaller-scale structures in little-known corners of the country, from northern Minnesota to suburban New Jersey to the railroad towns of the Great Plains. See more here.

Neutra's Renovated Lew House Now For Rent

Dwell magazine recently highlighted Richard Neutra's 1958 Lew House, which sits along a winding street above the famed Sunset Plaza. A renovation in the early 2000s recaptured Neutra’s original vision for the home—most notably by reinstating the showroom-like glass walls that enclose the carport.

In addition to restoring original window openings and layouts, the renovation also expanded the home to include an additional lower level and backyard pool. Finishes throughout were updated in timeless shades that have withstood the test of nearly two decades passing since the project wrapped. Featured in photoshoots and previously available as a short-term rental, the Lew House is currently available to rent for $26,000 per month. Read more here.

Build Wright's Darwin Martin House In Your Own Home

The Martin House recently announced that people can purchase a newly-released Atom Brick replica of the Wright-designed home from their website. The Atom Brick set comes with 1,9161 pieces and costs $150. Proceeds from purchases of the building set will go toward benefiting the ongoing restoration and preservation of the Darwin D. Martin House and estate. More here.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Seeks Volunteer Tour Guides

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust seeks volunteers to lead tours at five historic sites in Chicago and Oak Park: Wright's Home and Studio, where the Prairie style of architecture was conceived; Robie House and Unity Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage sites; The Rookery; and Bach House. Volunteer interpreters (tour guides) welcome national and international visitors and share their knowledge and appreciation for Frank Lloyd Wright, architecture and history. In addition, they cultivate lasting friendships and enjoy social gatherings and group excursions.

Enrollment for volunteer spring training sessions starts soon. The training is a concentrated program that involves online study, class lectures and workshops leading to certification. Training sessions start in March. For more information and to apply, visit flwright.org/volunteer or contact Linda Bonifas-Guzman at lguzman@flwright.org or 312.994.4045. More here.

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