Walter Burley Griffin's Emery House in Elmhurst, IL is a fine example of Prairie School ideals in action. It actually was his first independent comission and he designed it as a freelance project while under the employement of Frank Lloyd Wright. This wonderful Prairie home was fairly recently restored by John Eifler of Eifler & Associates and is also featured on an old VHS (too bad it's not on DVD) PBS documentary entitled, Walter Burley Griffin: In His Own Right. I had to pick up a copy of this at the local public library, but I believe you may purchase the cassette here.
The PBS website for this program is a splendid supplement to the documentary, which really goes into detail regarding Griffin's life and career. There is a lot of really insightful information on this site. They even include a copy of the script!
Additionally, an excellent text to compliment your viewing of this film is Walter Burley Griffin in America, by Paul Krutty and Mati Maldre. This book was actually the inspiration behind the documentary.
Emery House photos courtesy of PrairieMod
The video may be availiable at a local library through interlibrary loan. I was able to get a month or so ago (I then got sucked into women's pursuit biathalon during the Olympics and had to return it unwatched). Few libraries carry it (I was told most were in Illinois) but most libraries will be able to get it.
Posted by: Douglas Anders | Mar 20, 2006 at 09:47 PM
It is a tough one to find, but well worth it. Thanks Doug for the tip!
Posted by: erban | Mar 21, 2006 at 10:32 AM