Frank Lloyd Wright Collection

Introduction

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was one of America's most influential architects, whose career spanned seven decades and produced more than 1,000 structures. Wright pioneered what he called "organic architecture," a philosophy that promoted harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design approaches that were integrated with the surrounding landscape.

Wright's work includes iconic buildings such as Fallingwater, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Unity Temple. His Prairie School architectural style, characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and windows grouped in horizontal bands, became one of the first distinctly American architectural styles.

Beyond his architectural achievements, Wright was also a prolific writer, educator, and designer of furniture, fabrics, art glass, lamps, and other decorative elements. His influence extended far beyond architecture into broader design movements, particularly mid-century modernism.

This collection brings together artifacts that connect to Wright's legacy, including his signed autobiography, works by his apprentices, and educational tools that influenced his design philosophy.

Wright's Design Principles

Organic Architecture

Wright believed that architecture should be designed in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called "organic architecture." This approach emphasized that buildings should appear to grow naturally from their surroundings, using materials and forms that connected to the landscape.

Unity of Design

Wright approached each building as a unified whole, designing not just the structure but also the furniture, light fixtures, textiles, and even tableware. This comprehensive approach ensured a cohesive aesthetic throughout his projects.

Geometric Abstraction

Influenced by his childhood experiences with Froebel blocks, Wright used geometric abstraction as a fundamental design principle. He reduced natural forms to their geometric essence, creating patterns and structures based on simple shapes and mathematical relationships.

Compression and Release

Wright often designed spaces with alternating feelings of compression (low ceilings, narrow passages) and release (open, expansive rooms), creating a dynamic experience as one moved through his buildings.

Horizontal Emphasis

Particularly in his Prairie School designs, Wright emphasized horizontal lines to echo the flat, expansive landscape of the American Midwest. This was achieved through long, low rooflines, horizontal bands of windows, and terraces that extended outward from the main structure.

Natural Materials

Wright preferred materials in their natural state, using wood, stone, and brick in ways that highlighted their inherent qualities rather than disguising them.

Integration with Nature

Wright's buildings often blurred the distinction between interior and exterior spaces through the use of large windows, terraces, and natural materials that continued from outside to inside.

Further Reading

• Wright, Frank Lloyd. Frank Lloyd Wright: An Autobiography. Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1943.
• Pfeiffer, Bruce Brooks. Frank Lloyd Wright: The Complete Works. Taschen, 2009.
• Secrest, Meryle. Frank Lloyd Wright: A Biography. University of Chicago Press, 1998.
• Huxtable, Ada Louise. Frank Lloyd Wright: A Life. Penguin Books, 2008.
• Levine, Neil. The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Princeton University Press, 1996.
• Heinz, Thomas A. Frank Lloyd Wright's Interiors. Gramercy, 2002.
• Hess, Alan. Frank Lloyd Wright: Natural Design, Organic Architecture. Rizzoli, 2012.

Online Resources

• Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
• Frank Lloyd Wright Trust
• Frank Lloyd Wright and the Guggenheim
• Fallingwater