PrairieMod

Remembering Earl Nisbet

Kevin W. posts on Wright Chat that a portion of Taliesin apprentice Earl Nisbet's archives are now up on the UC Berkeley Environmental Design website. Check out some of the work of this wonderful Organic designer here. Be sure to pick up a copy of Earl's autobiography to learn more about his life and work.

Image via berkeley.edu

Wright At Auction Round-Up

A few extremely important Frank Lloyd Wright-related items are set to be auctioned off in the coming weeks. The Swann Auction Galleries has a rare original 1927 drawing for a proposed cover design for Liberty Magazine. The Wright Auction house (no relation to Frank) has three items of note: An original Imperial Hotel chair, a section of decorative frieze from the Dana House, and an original chandelier from the Adelman House in Phoenix.

It's a real shame this chandelier is no longer in the house it belongs to (apparently it was sold by an owner at some point in a private sale). Perhaps it can find its way back home...but at a $30,000 - $50,000 auction estimate, that's not likely. Follow the links above to see all the items.

Image via Wright20.com

Iannelli Show Opens This Weekend!

There's a lot of exciting things happening in the world of architecture and design this weekend in Chicago. In addition to the Wright Plus Housewalk in Oak Park, Modernism’s Messengers: The Art of Alfonso and Margaret Iannelli – 1910 to 1965 opens on Saturday, May 18 in the Chicago Rooms at the Chicago Cultural Center. Get more info and plan your visit here.

Image via cityofchicago.org

Wright, Art, and Milwaukee

Barbara F. sends a link to the Milwaukee Art Museum's blog on the exhibition The Layton Art Collection: 1888-2013, which includes a humorous connection to Frank Lloyd Wright as part of its history. Read more about it here.

Image via steinerag.com

Lot 47 Questions

Some questions have been swirling around lot 47 (the Wright-related one comprised of Fawcett House plans, Pappas House drawings, hassocks, etc.) in Los Angeles Modern Auction's May 19, 2013 sale. More after the jump...

More On Wright At LAMA Auction

I recently inquired about the large group of Frank Lloyd Wright-related items in the May 19, 2013 auction at Los Angeles Modern Auctions. I received a reply to my questions and a lot more images of the drawings and prints that make up the lot. Learn more after the jump...

Iannelli Book Available For Pre-Order!

Great news! The long-awaited monograph on the life and work of Alfonso Iannelli is available for pre-order on the publisher's, Top Five Books,  website. Details and special sneak peek after the jump...

Google Celebrates Saul Bass

Google recently celebrated legendary graphic designer, Saul Bass, on his 93^rd birthday with a special "Google Doodle" homage of Saul's more iconic film title sequences. See it here.

Image via Google

Wrightian Things At LAMA Auction

Los Angeles Modern Auctions May 19, 2013 auction features a bevvy of Mod items to drool over. Two lots of particular interest are a pair of chairs designed by Taliesin Apprentice William Wesley Peters (originally for the 1963 Sorensen Residence) and a large suite of Wright drawings, blue prints, decorative objects that originally were part of Taliesin Apprentice Bob Beharka's collection. See all the lots here.

Images via LAMA

Join-Up: Chicago Art Deco Society

It took me a long time, but I finally stopped procrastinating and joined the Chicago Art Deco Society this week. I've known about CADS for some time as a fantastic not for profit organization devoted to preserving all things Deco. They also put out a really great color magazine that is a must have for any Art Deco enthusiast. I encourage PrairieMod readers to join to also support their preservation and education efforts (and to get another great publication for your enjoyment!) More info and become a member here.

Image via CADS

These Prints Are Just Your Type

I'm digging the new hand-printed serigraphs from House Industries featuring a cool typographical composition of Benguiat Caslon. Get yours here.

Image via House Industries

Closer Look: Wright Plus 2013 T-Shirt

I mentioned last Friday that the limited edition 2013 Wright Plus T-shirt designed by PrairieMod is now available from the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust's ShopWright.com. I figured I'd post a larger image of the artwork so that everyone could get a good look at it and hopefully spur on a buying spree. Every dollar helps the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust's mission to preserve and present the amazing architectural wonders that they are such excellent stewards of. Follow the link to get your t-shirt today before they are all gone!

Image via PrairieMod

Architectural Artifacts Anniversary Auction

Chicagoist reports that Architectural Artifacts (4325 North Ravenswood Avenue) will hold a three-day auction from April 5-7, 2013 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The anniversary auction, held at the store, will give antique buffs access to rare artifacts of historical and architectural significance, including pieces by Frank Lloyd Wright (including what I'm assuming is a Price Tower Chair) and Louis Sullivan. More info here and here.

Image via chicagoist.com

Wright Plus 2013 T-Shirts Are Here!

I received word that the official 2013 Wright Plus limited edition T-shirts have arrived at the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Why so exciting? Well, they just happen to feature a stylized illustration of the Harry Adams House (which is on this year's tour) by your PrairieMod editor. Be sure to get yours while they last and do your part to help support the preservation efforts of the FLWPT. Get your limited edition T-shirt here.

Image via FLWPT

Chicago Park District's Moderne Publications

Andrew S. was kind enough to share some really great WPA-era covers for various Chicago Park District booklets he's been collecting recently. Check out all the covers after the jump...

An American Collector's Gift To Japan

Two recent articles discuss “Jakuchū’s Here" a traveling exhibit that will come to museums in the three Japanese towns worst affected by the triple disaster of March 2011. The exhibit is the brainchild of collectors and Bruce Goff clients, Joe and Etsuko Price, and it features their extensive collection of Edo period art. Read more (including Joe's experiences with another famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright) here and here.

Image via nippon.com

New Creations From Kramer Design Studio

I recently received an update on the new projects executed by expert craftsman and designer, Randall Kramer. One project in particular caught my eye: a hand-forged mild steel grill to architect Eric Mullendore's specifications, to separate the home's foyer from the living room, allowing a clear view of Lake Michigan as you enter the space. See more of Randall's work at his website.

Image copyright Randall Kramer

Rescuing Marion's Artwork

This news item from Australia describes the tense situation conservators were under trying to save a valuable silk lithograph by Marion Mahony Griffin from being destroyed. Read about it here.

Image via abc.net.au

Charley Harper & Motawi Tile

Motawi Tileworks has teamed up with the estate of illustrator Charley Harper to offer a line of decorative tiles depicting Harper's fantastic abstract animals. See the line here.

Image via Motawi Tileworks

A Glimpse At A Milstead Design That Might Have Been

Architect David Alan Milstead was kind enough to share an amazing suite of drawings associated with a "project" for a client in Florence, AL that did not get built. It's a rare opportunity to glimpse an Organic design that might have been. See all the drawings after the jump...

A Look At The Iannelli Celebration

Last Sunday February 17, 2013 marked the celebration of Alfonso Iannelli's 125th birthday and a fantastic time was has by all at the Iannelli Home & Studio in Park Ridge, IL. The Kalo Foundation hosted a sold-out crowd there to enjoy some birthday cake and two excellent presentations by Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian for the city of Chicago. More after the jump...

Celebrating Iannelli's 125th

Sunday February 17, 2013 will be Alfonso Iannelli's 125th birthday. To celebrate, the Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge is hosting both an exhibit of original Iannelli works and a lecture by Tim Samuelson (the cultural historian for the city of Chicago) at the Iannelli Home & Studios. Learn more here.

Image via Park Ridge Herald Advocate

Don't Miss This Design Exhibit

If you have not been to visit the ArchiTech Gallery in Chicago's gallery district, then what are you waiting for? The current exhibit is titled "Design 1890-1995" and features some rare and wonderful examples of design-related drawings, blueprints, sketches, and much more from luminaries like Frank Lloyd Wright, Keck & Keck, Bertrand Goldberg, and many more. Do yourself a favor and make plans to visit soon. More details here.

Image via ArchiTech Gallery website

Ezra Stoller, Photographer

Paul R. sends a word of a new book titled Ezra Stoller, Photographer, which is described as "a long-awaited and lavishly illustrated survey of Stoller's artistic accomplishments, examines the photographer's full range with a fresh eye and unprecedented scope, offering a unique commentary on postwar America's changing landscape." Order your copy here.

Image via Yale University Press

"The Japanese Print" Re-Visited

Frank Lloyd Wright had a long and deep love affair with Japanese prints. A deluxe re-release of the 1967 edition of the book The Japanese Print explores the topic in further detail and is a must for anyone interested in learning more about this facet of Wright's life. Learn more about this new limited edition here.

Image via isdistribution.com

The Albers Go Fab

Fab.com, the place for getting great Mod stuff at a discount, recent sale featured a collection of reproduction and retrospective Josef and Anni Albers art posters from the Albers Foundation. Check it out here before the sale is gone!

Image via Fab.com

Heller's Take On Hotel Lautner

Hotel Lautner, the renovated and rent-able John Lautner boutique hotel in Palm Springs, CA, is hosting limited Engagement Tours and and art exhibit of Mid-Century Modern artist Danny Heller's work in Celebration of Modernism Week 2013. It's also a chance to get a limited edition Heller poster immortalizing the building. Find out the event details here and more on the poster here.
 
Image copyright Danny Heller

Kalo Celebrates Alfonso Iannelli’s 125th Birthday

Some exciting events are being planned by the Kalo Foundation this February in Park Ridge, IL to celebrate the 125th birthday of artist and designer, Alfonso Iannelli. Find out all the details after the jump...

The Lustigs: A Cover Story

Adam also sends a link to a new exhibit at the AIGA National Design Center in New York called “The Lustigs: A Cover Story”— which showcases nearly 500 of designer Alvin and his wife Elaine Lustig Cohen's book, magazine and catalog covers created between 1933 and 1961. The show runs until February 15, 2013, so don't miss it! Learn more here.

Image via AIGA

Millet Windows To Get A New Home

The art glass windows designed by artist Louis Millet that formally resided in the (now lost) First Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, IA will be incorporated in a reading room at the new Cedar Rapids Public Library. Read more about it here.

Image via OPN Architects

Get Girard's "January" Desktop Wallpaper

Herman Miller is starting the new year off by giving people the chance to download one of 6 free desktop wallpapers that feature MCM designer Alexander Girard's playful design called “January.” Get yours here.

Image via Herman Miller

Oakbrook Esser Studios Has The Wright Stuff

Michael B. sends a link to an article about the Oakbrook Esser Studios in Oconomowoc, WI. The talented firm lists among their many stained glass projects work on the iconic windows at Wright's Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo, NY. Read more here.

Image via oakbrookesser.com

Need A Little Help?

If you've got too many techno-toys to juggle, then consider getting a painted plywood "helping hand" from Pen Pencil Stencil artist, Mark Giglio. Check it out here.

Image via Pen Pencil Stencil Store

Herman Miller's Power Of The Poster

Fastcodesign.com recently featured furniture icon, Herman Miller's "Then X Ten" poster design project, which involved an open call for poster designs celebrating the company's most recognizable pieces, like the Eames lounge chair and Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa, and then selecting 10 for an exhibit. Read more about it here.

Image via Herman Miller

The Excitement Is Building

Lynn Becker recently visited the ArchiTech Gallery in Chicago and was treated to a preview of the eagerly anticipated monograph coming next year on Alfonso Iannelli (designed by your PrairieMod editor!) I know it seems like it's taking forever, but let Lynn tell you--it'll be worth the wait. Obviously, as we get closer to publication I'll let readers know more details!

Image credit: Lynn Becker

A Happy Homemade Christmas

Chicago artist and craftsman, Randall Kramer recently sent word and a link showcasing an en-lightning homemade holiday gift he crafted this year. Homemade gifts are always the best gifts! Check out more of Randall's work here.

Image copyright Randall Kramer

The Magic Of Ray Eames

As the 100th birthday of Mod icon, Ray Eames, draws near, Herman Miller pays homage in a recent interview of Midge Kaiser Martin (Ray's niece). Read the memories about her "magic" aunt here.

Image via Herman Miller

Design 1810–1995

The ArchiTech Gallery has announced its next show: "Design 1810 - 1995" which will run January 11 - April 27, 2013. Find out more after the jump...

Merry Christmas From PrairieMod

As a special Christmas treat for all of our readers, we wanted to share a holiday-themed item from the PrairieMod archive: A set of Christmas box designs by Alfonso Iannelli, most likely done in the mid to late 1920s for Marshall Field & Company.

Who knows...maybe one of these designs was actually executed and could be discovered out there in an antique shop somewhere—something to search for in 2013!

Here's hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Image copyright PrairieMod

Google Goes Grimm

Today marks the 200th Anniversary of the first edition of Grimm's Fairy Tales. To celebrate, Google has put together a really cool Mod illustrated version of Little Red Riding Hood. Read more about it here.

Image via Google

Get To Know Century Studios

Rob B. sends word that he recently wandered into the Century Studios in St. Paul, MN and was blown away at the wonderful stained glass work that they do. Check out the beautiful craftsmanship of their reproduction Tiffany lamps and other goodies here.

Image via centurystudios.com

Save On The Mod Meaning Of Christmas

Just in time for the holidays: House Industries is offering a special discount on their 13-piece Alexander Girard Nativity set. Shop here and enter the discount code NATIVITY2012 to get 25% off. It's still pretty pricey, but every little bit helps, I guess. Hurry--discount expires December 7, 2012.

Image via House Industries

OpenWall Exhibit Opening

Artist, Larry Zgoda, let us know that Open Wall Chicago's new exhibit on The Chicago Mosaic School will be opening the night of Friday, November 16, 2012. Details here.

Image via openwallchicago.org

Urban Diagrams On Display

Architizer.com posted a link to a new exhibit from the nonprofit urban think tank SPUR. The exhibit is called “Grand Reductions: 10 Diagrams That Changed Planning” and it tracks the history of urban planning in its most graphic form: the diagram. Read more here.

Image via architizer.com

Light My Way, Stranger For Schindler

James Perry of Nicholson Architects sent word about an upcoming auction event called "Light My Way, Stranger" at The MAK Center for Art and Architecture's first Day of the Dead Auction, Friday, November 2, 7–10 pm. All proceeds will go to benefit the R.M. Schindler properties. James wanted to share an image of a new Candelabra design called "Lux Mechanica" by Architect Duncan Nicholson, which is part of that auction. See all the various designs being auctioned here.

Image via Nicholson Architects

Thar She Blows!

Google is on a roll this week with cool search page illustrations. The newest one this morning celebrates the 161st anniversary of the first publishing of Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. The illustration looks like a linocut illustration with great use of negative space to depict the famous white whale. Read more about it here.

Image via Google

Google's Little Nemo Tribute

Today is the 107th anniversary of artist and early animator Windsor McCay's comic Little Nemo in Slumberland. To celebrate, Google has put together an ambitious interactive comic on their homepage. See it here.

Image via Google

Celebrating Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh's home city of Glasgow, Scotland is planning an inaugural two-week festival that runs October 15-28, 2012. The event will feature theater, music and exhibitions on the life and works of the famed architect and designer. More here.

Image via www.gsa.ac.uk

Ware Pays Tribute To OPRF

Writer/artist, Chris Ware, has been all over the news lately thanks to the release of his new graphic opus, Building Stories. However, as a resident of Oak Park and lover of its history and architecture, he recently teamed-up with the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society to produce two illustrated posters that pay tribute to the town's remarkable built treasures. Get yours here.

Image via Chris Ware

Design & Architecture Crossword Puzzle

Design Within Reach and the New York Times just published this crossword puzzle based on design and architecture. Test your knowledge!

Image via NYT