Design History Artifacts Collection

Featured Artifacts

Frank Lloyd Wright: An Autobiography

A signed first edition of Wright's autobiography from 1943, featuring his distinctive red square signature.

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Froebel Blocks

Educational toys that influenced Frank Lloyd Wright's design philosophy and many other modernist designers.

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Hiroshige Harimaze Print

A Japanese woodblock print from the series Frank Lloyd Wright collected, showing the cross-cultural influences on modern design.

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Arthur Jacobs Lamp Designs

Original sketches by "the Father of Modern Lighting" for Modeline of California's iconic mid-century lamps.

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Monona Basin Project

A 1967 master plan by William Wesley Peters continuing Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for Madison, Wisconsin.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Collection

Discover artifacts connected to one of America's most influential architects, including his signed autobiography and works by his apprentices.

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Mid-Century Modern Design

Explore the distinctive aesthetic of the mid-century modern movement through lamp designs, furniture concepts, and architectural influences.

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Design Education

Learn how educational tools like Froebel blocks shaped the thinking of designers and architects, creating a foundation for modern design principles.

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Essential Books

Discover scholarly works and rare editions that provide deeper insights into Frank Lloyd Wright and design history.

Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art of Japan

Julia Meech's definitive study of Wright's lifelong passion for Japanese art and its profound influence on his architectural philosophy.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Drawings: Masterworks

A comprehensive collection of Wright's architectural drawings, revealing his design process and artistic vision.

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Frank Lloyd Wright and Madison: An Interaction

Explores Wright's complex relationship with Madison, Wisconsin, including his controversial Monona Basin Project.

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About the Collection

This collection brings together significant artifacts related to design history, with a special focus on Frank Lloyd Wright and mid-century modern design. Each piece tells a story about the evolution of design thinking and the individuals who shaped our built environment.

From signed books by architectural masters to original design sketches and educational tools, these artifacts provide a tangible connection to important moments in design history.

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