The J.J. Walser, Jr. House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1903 has had a rough life. Built on the West side of Chicago near to Oak Park and River Forest, the Prairie Style home (and its neighborhood) has not fared as well. Originally stripped of most of its art glass decades ago, some examples have recently turned up on eBay. Its another example of architectural speculators trying to make a buck off of an unfortunate situation. It would be great if the home could some day be restored and its glass returned to where it belongs. See the listings here and here.
Auctions
Wright At Auction
Antiques and Arts Online reports that two Wright-related lots at the June 23, 2010 Bonhams auction saw much interest and sold for hefty sums. An archive relating
to the Hartford, Conn., "New Theatre" project, including a number of
letters between Wright and actor/director Paton Price, brought $27,450.
Additionally, a group of 13 original blueprints from Wright's
"Fallingwater" project more than doubled its estimate of $4/6,000,
realizing a final price of $12,200. Hopefully they went to a place where they can be accessed by scholars and the public. Read more about it here.
Image via Bonham's/Antiques and Arts Online
New York Wants Its Drawings Back
New York City officials have sued Christie's Auction house over the sale of some 19th Century architectural drawings they feel rightly belong to the city. The drawings are by Jacob Wrey Mould, a British architect who came to New York in 1853 to
design a Unitarian church on Fourth Avenue and 20th Street. Read more about it here.
More Wright At Bonhams
Hot on the heels of the previous group of significant Frank Lloyd Wright-related materials that were auctioned-off at Bonhams comes another lot of Wright items including: 13 original blueprints for Fallingwater, many with pencil calculations, diagrams
and notations and an archive relating to efforts by actor, director, acting coach and
conscientious objector Paton Price to construct a "New Theatre" designed
by Frank Lloyd Wright in Hartford, CT. Hopfully they will end up in as good a home as the previous materials. See more details of the June 23, 2010 Bonhams auction here.
Image via Bonhams
Wright Admirer Saves History For Marin County
An unidentified buyer purchased the Frank Lloyd Wright-related documents associated with the Marin County Civic Center that were recently auctioned and plans on making sure they stay in Marin County. Read more here.
Image via liveauctioneers.com
Wright Just Liked Red—Was Not Red
Wright Rug Sold
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed rug up for auction at LAMA on Sunday May 23, 2010 fetched only $16,000—a far cry from the $40,000 to $60,000 estimate. Wonder where it went to. Details here.
Image via LAMA
Wright Rug Auction Approaching
Los Angeles Modern Auctions is set to auction off the Frank Lloyd Wright designed rug for the David Wright House on May 23rd. The estimate is set at $40,000 to $60,000 and the rug could potentially command much more. Hopefully a reputable public institution will be able to acquire it, preserve it and display it for public enjoyment and study. Read more about the rug here and see the auction listing here.
Image via LAMA
Stop That Sale!
Looks like the Eames Archive that was originally to be put on the block at Wright20 was yanked due to a lawsuit filed by one of the Eames heirs. Read about it here.
Image via Wright20.com
The Mother Of All Eames Auctions
Southern Californian designers and historians, John and Marilyn Neuhart, have amassed quite a collection of Charles and Ray Eames materials. They have recently consigned it to an all-Eames sale on April 8th at Wright auction house in Chicago. Read about it here and see what's for sale here.
Image via Wright20.com
Tonkens House Beds At Auction
The trend of selling-off integrally-designed items from Frank Lloyd Wright buildings continues with the sale of two custom daybeds from the Gerald Tonkens House in Cincinnati, OH. When will the strip-mining stop? See the details here.
Image via Wright20.com
A Little More On The Bradley House
Blair Kamin posted an excellent article that sheds more light on Frank Lloyd Wright's Bradley House in Kankakee, IL (which recently had its leaded glass buffet doors sold at auction...again). Read all about it here.
Image copyright Blair Kamin
Another Piece Of Wright Auctioned Off
Two original leaded glass windows from the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, IL were auctioned-off for $15,000 yesterday at Christie's. These windows have made the auction block rounds before and have passed from one collector to another. It would be nice if they could find their way back to their original intended site in the Bradley House, which is currently undergoing a full restoration and will hopefully be open to the public in the near future. Read more about the sale here and read Blair Kamin's blog post on the sale and house here.
Image via Christie's
How The Wright Stuff Was Won
More details are coming out that help tell the story of how the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, working together with the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, secured the massive collection of Wright-related materials that were recently on the Bonhams auction block. Read more after the jump...
An Auction's Happy Ending
Good news comes out of the recent Bonhams & Butterfields auction of rare Frank Lloyd Wright materials associated with the author Henry Russel Hitchcock. The LA Times reports that the winning bid was put-in by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation—the very place these materials originated and belong. Read more about this story here.
Image via Bonhams & Butterfields
Rare Wright Rendering At Auction
A very rare early presentation drawing for
the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Francis Apartments (1895, demolished in 1971) will be for sale in the John Toomey Gallery's March 7, 2010 auction. Read more after the jump...
Bradley House Windows At Auction
A pair of beautiful leaded-glass windows from the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bradley House in Kankakee, IL are being auctioned-off at Christie's in March. The windows have made the auction house rounds in the past, but it is still a shame they were ever removed from their original home. Maybe someday they can make their way back to where they belong. Read more about this sale here.
Image via Christie's
Wright Archive On The Auction Block
Floored About Rug News
A PrairieMod reader sent a heads-up to the fact that the famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed rug for the (recently sold) David Wright House in Arcadia, AZ is to be auctioned off at Los Angeles Modern Auctions this spring. Read more after the jump...
You Could Own The Gobbler
The very Mod Gobbler Supper Club of Johnson Creek, WI and designed by architect Helmut Ajango in 1966 is scheduled to be sold at an
auction at the property on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. Read all about it here.
Image via Wisconsinosity
Maher Windows Withdrawn
The Kenilworth Club's art glass windows that were put up for sale at Christie's December 8, 2009 auction have apparently been withdrawn (they no longer appear on Christie's website). I have not received any explanation for this turn of events, but I would guess it is most likely due to the fact that the windows did turn out to be original historic building fabric and selling them would conflict with the structure's preservation easement. Follow the link to catch-up on the story from the beginning. If anyone has more info, please feel free to share.
Image via Christies
See These Horses
If you caught the recent PBS special on Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters, then you may have caught a glimpse at a sweet set of whimsical seahorse fireplace andirons. Sotheby's has a rare pair of these andirons up for bidding in their Important 20th Century Design auction. See more here.
Image via Sotheby's
Rare Teco At Toomey's
The next John Toomey Gallery auction is December 6th and there are quite a few great examples of original Teco pottery up for bidding. One is very notable: an extremely rare and large vase designed by Prairie School architect Hugh M.G. Garden. Check it out here. If you don't have $30,000 for this one, you can get a Modern-day version at the PrairieMod Store for significantly less.
Image via The John Toomey Gallery
Kenilworth Maher Sell-Off
A PrairieMod reader sent us the heads-up on a disturbing item in an upcoming Christie's auction. A set of original George Washington Maher art glass windows designed for the 1906 Kenilworth Club in Kenilworth, IL are being auctioned off. Read more after the jump...
100 Years Of Being Wright
Stumble Upon: Rare Wright-Related Photos
Check out these really great vintage Frank Lloyd Wright-related photographs that were auctioned-off by PBA Galleries in 2005. See them all after the jump...
Continue reading "Stumble Upon: Rare Wright-Related Photos" »
Barbara's Clean Sweep
Auctioning Off Louis
PrairieMod reader John A. sent me a link to this article in the Chicago Tribune about the upcoming auction of some Louis Sullivan-designed architectural elements from the former Chicago Stock Exchange at Christie's in New York. It's still heartbreaking to see the bones of this once proud building reduced to trophies for the uber-rich. There's also some items sprinkled in from Wright houses as well that leave you with the same feelings. You can sigh heavily while reading about it here.
Image via Christie's
A Lot Of Lloyd Spells Trouble
Bonhams & Butterfield is auctioning off a huge amount of original Lloyd Wright (Frank's son) furniture from the Bowler residence in Palos Verdes, California. This is another troubling example of important architectural and decorative elements meant for a very specific site sold-off and separated forever. Read more about it here.
Image copyright Bonhams & Butterfield
Heritage Henredon At Toomey Auction
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed "Taliesin Line" originally offered by Heritage Henredon is a hot commodity these days. Ahead of its time when it first premiered in the 1950s, these pieces have been commanding higher and higher prices at auctions. If you're looking to add a little Frank Lloyd Wright to your pad without strip-mining one of his houses, then check out the pieces up for bid in the March 8, 2009 John Toomey Gallery auction. See them here.
Image copyright John Toomey Gallery
The Future Of Architecture: eFab?
Apparently the pre-fab revolution has hit eBay--the surest sign that it has reached a cultural critical mass. Take a look at this "eFab" offering currently up for auction that really only succeeds in "thinking inside the box." I find that "art glass" door the most pandering aspect of trying to pass this box-on-blocks off as architecture: It is the definition of trying to put lipstick on a pig. Unfortunately, if this is the future of pre-fab, then please blast me to the past. You can gawk at it here.
Image copyright eBay user antiqueark4yni
Got An Extra $60,000?
Original Teco Pottery is rare...and very expensive. Case in point: This extremely rare and dynamically organic Teco vase designed by Fritz Albert was recently discovered in a Florida estate. It's now being auctioned off by Mathesons' AA Auction out of Melbourne, FL and the estimate is $40,000—$60,000! Check out more photos by following the link.
If you're a little low on cash but still like Teco Pottery, then follow the link.
Image copyright Mathesons' AA Auction
Svelte "Finn Juhl" Armchair on eBay
The wife and I have been in search of some vintage MCM chairs for our three season room and this one piques my interest. Listed on eBay is a rare Danish Modernist armchair (listing mentions Finn Juhl's name) with an adjustable multi-position back. Very cool. Of course, it looks like it could use some new upholstery.
Via The Mid-Century Modernist
Usonia At Auction: New Update
We thought that we'd keep you up-to-date on this story as we've reported on it. After they were notified of the erroneous information, the auction house offering the David Henken designed furniture modified the listings on the pieces to take out the "Frank Lloyd Wright" references. A small victory, but there are still unanswered questions about why these pieces are being sold away from their home. It also doesn't change the fact that they will most likely be forever separated from their intended environment. We'll keep you posted if more information surfaces.
Photo copyright Rose Hill Auction
Usonia At Auction: Update
There's been a twist in this story since we've posted it. Through the help of knowledgeable individuals who posted info on the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy's Message Board, these "Wright" pieces have been identified as--NOT Frank Lloyd Wright! They are actually from the David Henken House (1949) designed by David Henken. Henken was a Wright apprentice and organizer of the "Usonia" development of homes in Pleasantville, New York. One Message Board contributer, SDR, kindly did the extra detective work of hunting down some historical photos of them in their original house to solidify their correct provenance. SDR points out:
Interior photos are from "Realizations of Usonia: Frank Lloyd Wright in Westchester" (p 10), a pamphlet "published to accompany an exhibition at The Hudson River Museum, 3 February through 7 April, 1985.'" The photos are identified as "Interior views of David Henken house. . ." The settees and the bench visible in the last photo appear to match those shown in the auction announcement.
Despite the fact that the furniture is mis-represented, the fact remains that they were still designed with the same principles in mind that Wright himself used, and as such the fact that they are not meant to be separated from their original home remains. We would strongly ask that the "buyer beware" in regards to the shady auction house representation and the ethical issue of strip-mining decor meant solely for an environment that still exists.
Usonia At Auction
We've got sad news for Frank Lloyd Wright lovers. Further fueling the debate about selling off Wright designed furniture from their original (and intended) settings in Wright designed homes, we recently came upon a suite of Usonian furniture from a Pleasantville, New York home up for auction via Rose Hill Auction's page on ebay. Here are the items in question:
Lot 3159 – Sette
Lot 3160 – Sette
Lot 3163 – Hexagonal Occasional Table
Lot 3164 – 2 Triangular Side Tables
Lot 3165 – Triangular Motif Long Bench
This represents the continuation of a worrisome trend. Wright furniture was designed for a very specific purpose for very specific commissions. Once they are removed from their original environments, they lose their intended purpose and become superfluous spoils of bidding wars.
There are certain exceptions we understand, like if the original building is no longer around. Unfortunately, this exercise of architectural pillaging usually leads to more of the same, especially if the pieces go for high prices (how many art glass windows have been stripped from original homes?)
We would plead with you, the readers, to not support these sorts of
sales and contribute to the sell-off of our collective design heritage.
We'd love to hear your reaction to this subject and let us know what
you think.
Photos copyright Rose Hill Auction
Toomey Gallery Auction
The next John Toomey Gallery auction is scheduled for Sunday, May 6th. There's lots of Prairie School artifacts up for bidding this time:
• Lots of Teco pottery including an especially large and rare 4-handled version
• A collection of George Washington Maher art glass windows from the Charles Hosmer Morse house
• Some George Mann Niedecken chairs
• Plus quite a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright related items including an assortment of Heritage Henredon furniture, some photographs, and other goodies.
There's plenty of great Stickley, Limbert and other Arts & Crafts and Mid-Century modern items to add to your collection so check it out on-line and happy bidding!
Photos copyright John Toomey Gallery
Toomey Gallery Auction News
The John Toomey Gallery in Oak Park, IL has announced their next 20th Century Art & Design Auction for Sunday, May 6th. You can preview some of the items at their site that will be up for bidding, including a beautiful Newcomb College tile, A fantastic Gustav Stickley sideboard and a stunning Dirk van Erp mica shaded copper lamp. We've also heard rumors that an original Frank Lloyd Wright chair will be offered as well, but have not confirmed what commission it originates from.
The results from Toomey's March 4th Auction are in, with some strong bids on such items as Gustave Baumann woodblock prints (one went for $11,000), an Amphora vase with a woman's portrait (it went for $12,000) and various Native American items (one bottleneck Shoshoni basket went for $15,000!)
You can check out the full list of auction results by following this link. We'll let you know more information on the upcoming auction as we get it. Happy bidding!
Photo copyright treadwaygallery.com
$3,185,600--In Case You Were Wondering
Pierre Koenig's Case Study House #21 went for a record breaking amount at the December 3, 2006 wright20 auction. In recognition of all the new found interest in all things mid-century, we thought we'd post a link to an interview that wright20 had with Julius Shulman (who photographed this mid-century icon on a few occasions) to hear the master photographer's thoughts on it. Enjoy!
Image copyright wright20
Toomey 20th Century Auction
Get ready for the Treadway/Toomey Galleries' next 20th Century Art and Design auction: Sunday, March 4, 2007. The on line preview photos feature quite a bit of Native American pottery, baskets and clothing. It's interesting to see these items and how their geometric abstractions meld well with the designs and motifs found in the other Arts & Crafts and Modern pieces up for auction. If you're in the Oak Park area, check out the preview in person February 25—March 3 at the John Toomey Gallery. Happy bidding!
Image copyright Treadway/Toomey Galleries
Contemporary Art At Auction
December 2006 Auction Line-up
Modern Masters Auction Highlights
We recently received some follow-up information regarding the Modern Masters Auction that occurred October 21, 2006 at the Sollo Rago Auction house and thought we'd pass it along. Apparently the Modern market is gangbusters right now. A record $6 million dollars was grossed at the event with the Wharton Esherick collection exceeding all expectations.
December 3rd Toomey Auction
Sunday, December 3rd will be the next auction at the John Toomey Gallery in Oak Park. As always, there will be a fine selection of fantastic Arts & Crafts furniture, pottery, textiles, metal and art. Some of the highlights featured in the on-line preview include:
• A few large Teco vases
• Tiffany art glass window
• Gus Stickley Morris chair
• Frank Lloyd Wright tables
Check out the this link to see a sneak peek at the items up for sale and make sure to order your catalog. If you're in the Chicago area, stop in for the preview, November 26-December 2. Who knows, you may find that perfect holiday gift you've been searching for!
Image courtesy of John Toomey Gallery
Wright Designed It All
Just in case you were wondering if Frank Lloyd Wright ever turned down an opportunity to design a home...we give you the Wright designed cat house.
It was originally designed in 1954 for Gerald Tonken's daughter's cat while the Tonken's house project was underway in Cincinnati, Ohio. Now, Wright20 in Chicago is offering the original for sale in their next auction, October 10th. You can check out its ebay Live Auctions listing here.
Cats deserve to live the PrairieMod life, too!
Image courtesy of Wright20
"Mass Modern" at wright20
Mark your calendars for September 16 for wright20's next auction. Titled "Mass Modern," the auction focuses on mass produced Modern designed furniture, textiles, art and décor. You can go on-line to view the entire preview, or order a printed catalog to drool over at home sitting in your Eames recliner.
Some highlights include:
Lot 120. A pair Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs
Lot. 158. A set of Hans Wegner lounge chairs and an ottoman
Lot. 168. A Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Henredon Mirror
Lot. 179. A Louis Sullivan artifact from the Chicago Stock Exchange
Lot. 205. A set of four DCMs by Charles and Ray Eames
Lot. 273. A Walter Gropius door handle
Lot 305. Le Corbusier dining set
And this is just the tip of the iceberg! If you're in Chicago from the 11-15 of September, go to the auction preview to check it all out in person.
Image courtesy of wright20
Toomey Auction Preview
The auctions at the John Toomey Gallery in Oak Park, Illinois are never an event to be missed. John always has an amazing array of the finest furniture, art and décor from the Arts and Crafts era through the Contemporary movement. If that sounds interesting to you, then mark your calendars for the next auction on September 10, 2006. You can view an auction preview by following this link.
Some of the highlights include a pair of George Washington Maher sconces, a pair of "Usonian School" end tables, an impressive Gustav Stickley buffet, an Eames molded rocking chair, and much, much more. We'll keep you posted on this event as more information is released.
Image courtesy of John Toomey Gallery
Auctions Done Wright
Richard Wright's boutique gallery and auction house in Chicago is an important destination for collectors of important 20th Century furniture, art and design. His auctions regularly feature pieces from the masters of Modern Design, like Mies, Gropius, Le Corbusier, Eames, Nakashima, and of course Frank Lloyd Wright. A recent auction on March 28 featured several pieces of furniture and decor from the Adelman House, the Keys House and Sweeton House. Another auction of important 20th century design objects is coming up in May 21st. Even if you can't afford to place a bid, we recommend getting yourself a catalog to peruse...it's always beautifully designed and full of eye candy to drool over!
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