Issue Oct 30th 2024  October 30th 2024

Price Tower Owner Files Lawsuit Against Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy

Following months of drama, things are getting litigious between the owners of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Price Tower in Bartlesville, Okla. and the organization tasked with preserving it.

Earlier this week, Green Copper Holdings, owner of the Price Tower, filed a lawsuit against the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and Price Tower Arts Center, Inc. Green Copper, along with Copper Tree, Inc., and Cynthia Blanchard, claimed that the Conservancy’s preservation easement on the Price Tower, designed to protect items of significance from being sold and maintain the building’s historical integrity, is null and void. “The Conservancy strongly rejects these claims and stands by the easement, which protects the building and its contents,” the organization states.

The Conservancy revealed that since mid-August, it has been communicating with Green Copper to address concerns about Green Copper selling easement-protected items from the Price Tower's collection.

Initially, the Conservancy planned to file a lawsuit but agreed to pursue an out-of-court settlement at Green Copper’s request. Green Copper assured that they would stop selling collection items, according to the statement, and allow the conservancy to inform potential buyers about the easement as Price Tower is set to be auctioned in November. (The easement is transferrable, meaning the buyer will have to abide by the legally binding document.) However, Green Copper proceeded with filing a lawsuit.

“The Conservancy continued good faith discussions in the interest of preserving the Price Tower and its collection, while Green Copper was apparently preparing a suit instead,” the organization states.

The Conservancy says that it remains committed to enforcing the legally binding preservation easement and ensuring the protection of Price Tower, which it considers a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. They intend to respond to the lawsuit’s allegations and continue their mission of preserving Wright’s architectural legacy in Bartlesville.

The Conservancy has stated that, given the ongoing legal proceedings, they are unable to make further public comments at this time.

Earlier this year, local media reported that Green Copper has been selling items in the building’s collection, such as rolling directory board, architectural copper relief panels, an armchair, and copper tables and stools, all designed by Wright for the Price Tower, to a Dallas-based dealer. Under the terms of the easement, the owner cannot sell easement-protected items without the Conservancy’s consent.

Click for more details: architectmagazine.com  

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Hosts Discovery Day

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation will host its biannual Discovery Day at Taliesin West, 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., in Scottsdale, on Saturday, Nov. 9.

This event offers visitors a discounted opportunity to dive into the world of art, architecture and nature while exploring the World Heritage Site at their own pace.

Bringing culture and history to life, the family-friendly, immersive experience is $5 for adults and free for children aged 12 and under. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can engage with the iconic architect’s work and philosophy through performances, interactive demonstrations, hands-on crafts and ask-me stations led by various Foundation staff members.

Tickets are available at : https://franklloydwright.org/discovery-day/.

Click for more details: yourvalley.net  

Photographing Frank Lloyd Wright At Driehaus Museum

When you think of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, you think of his signature modern style, but he was also a photographer and documented his work throughout his life.

Curator David Hanks said some never before seen photos and early sketches of his buildings are on display throughout five rooms and two floors of the Driehaus Museum.

“We're looking at photographs that Wright himself took. A number of self portraits and of his home in Oak Park and studio. And his photographs are primarily from the 1890s,” Hanks said.

“This is just a small selection of the hundreds of photographs that exist in the archives of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.”

Hanks said Wright was the greatest architect of our lifetime and this is the only exhibit that displays his work as a photographer and through the lens of photographers he worked with.

Photographing Frank Lloyd Wright will be on display through early next year.

Click for more details: audacy.com