PrairieMod

A Look At The Wright Exhibit

Ann Wind, board member of the Rahr West Art Museum Charitable Foundation, was kind enough to send some photos of the Frank Lloyd Wright: Architecture of the Interior exhibit opening. See them all after the jump...

Happy 109th Birthday Bruce Goff

Today also happens to be the birthday of Organic Architect Bruce Goff. In honor of his birthday, architect and president of Friends of Kebyar, Nelson Brackin, was kind enough to share some images related to Goff and one of his masterpieces (now lost), the Joe Price House (aka Shin'enKan). See them all after the jump...

Happy 146th Birthday Frank Lloyd Wright

Today marks the 146th birthday of America's greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. In honor of the occasion, I've shared a special "Starchitect" illustration along with one of my all-time favorite quotes from Mr. Wright. Enjoy!

Illustration copyright PrairieMod

Get Your Graycliff Print

Reine Hauser sends word that Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff is proud to present a limited edition print of the Isabelle R. Martin House, created by the WNY Book Arts Center. This print uses the letterpress technique, using vintage wood and metal type, composed in five separate colors. Designed, hand-set, and printed by artist Chris Fritton, this handsome artwork is limited to just 100 prints, each hand-signed, and numbered by the artist. Get yours here.

Image via graycliffestate.org

Frank Lloyd Wright: Architecture Of The Interior

Here's a link to an article about a new exhibit titled Frank Lloyd Wright: Architecture of the Interior which opens Sunday and runs through August 4, 2013 at the Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc, WI. Read more here.

Image via htrnews.com

Iannelli Book Countdown

In about a month, the long-awaited book on the life and work of Alfonso Iannelli will be back from the printer. Make sure you are one of the first to get your copy by pre-ordering at the publisher's website here. In the meantime, get your Iannelli fix by visiting the show, Modernism's Messengers: The Art of Alfonso and Margaret Iannelli at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Image via PrairieMod

Joan And Larry At The New Studio

Artist Larry Zgoda and his wife Joan send word that they will be presenting works and ideas at THENEWSTUDIO in Evanston on June 11, 2013 at 7 pm.  They also announce that Joan has been accepted into the Illinois Artisans Program. Details at left.

Image via Larry Zgoda

A Perfectly PrairieMod Rooftop Retreat

Architect and author Gerald Lee Morosco, AIA thought PrairieMod readers might enjoy reading about and seeing images of a project he designed that is featured in the June issue of Pittsburgh Magazine. His clients have an awesome collection of A&C furniture & decorative accessories, including an especially fine collection of Heintz Metal which, together with the history of the building as the bottling plant for a brewery, inspired the fittings by Sonoma Forge. Enjoy reading the article here or here.

Image via Pittsburg Magazine

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

Don't Miss A Night With Wright And Ware

Heads up! Don't miss "A Night with Wright and Ware" on Thursday, May 23, 6 to 8 p.m. It's the opportunity to view Frank Lloyd Wright's stunning Arthur Heurtley House, which is featured in Chris Ware's graphic poster that he designed for the Historical Society. Tour the home, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, and meet Oak Parker Chris Ware. Click here to order tickets.

Image via oprfhistory.org

Don't Miss Michigan Modern

State Historic Preservation Office is gearing-up to welcome throngs of MCM lovers from around the world to celebrate "Michigan Modern: Design that Shaped America", the most ambitious project to date examining the history of Michigan's major impact on the evolution of American Modernism. More here.

Image via michiganmodern.org

Tirranna Book Plate

I thought PrairieMod readers would enjoy seeing a book plate designed for the library of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rayward-Shepherd House (aka "Tirranna") that was in a book I recently picked up. I believe it depicts the entry gate from the house in graphic style. Anyone else have a Wright-related book plate to share?

Image via PrairieMod

Replacing Monona's Controversial Carpet

When it comes to Wright, people have strong opinions. Case in point: The 45,000-square-feet of bright orange carpet at Monona Terrace in Madison, WI that launched a thousand snarky comments will be replaced with a darker burgundy version as part of a $2.9 million to $3.8 million renovation project to start in late 2013. Read more about it here and here.

Image via Wisconsin State Journal

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

Samara Exhibit Opens At Price Tower

Heads-up architecture lovers in and around Bartlesville, OK: This Friday, the Price Tower Arts Center will be hosting the Opening Celebration to Frank Lloyd Wright's Samara: A Mid Century Dream Home. Members preview reception will be from 5 - 6pm with a gallery talk with  Samara staff and the free public opening reception will be from 6 - 7pm. More info here.

Image credit: Alexander Vertikoff

Usonian, Wright And Maher At Toomey Auction

The upcoming auction on June 8, 2013 at the John Toomey Gallery features a few items that will be of interest to PrairieMod readers: Imperial Hotel china, art glass window from the (demolished) Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Oscar Steffens house, January 1938 Wright issue of the Architectural Forum, unidentified Usonian hex chairs, and an art glass window from the George Washington Maher-designed Dr. Joseph Bolivar DeLee house. See these and all of the lots here.

Image via John Toomey Gallery

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

Eames Molded Wood Chairs

Herman Miller recently unveiled the Eames Molded Wood Chair, a beautiful new expression of a timeless design. Honoring the same organic shapes and sleek lines of their classic work, this design—made possible with 3-D veneer technology—celebrates the designers’ appreciation of honest materials. It’s offered in three wood finish options—white ash, walnut, and santos palisander—and three bases: wire (or “Eiffel Tower”), dowel leg, and 4-leg. Check them all out here.

Image via Herman Miller

Heath's Camellia Blooms

Heath Ceramics has a larger-scale Camellia pattern, named for the Alabama state flower, and is the highlight of the 5-piece place setting shown at left. Check out this beautifully detailed etched dinner plate and the other classic Heath pieces here.

Image via Heath Ceramics

Gather 'Round The Fireplace

Sherri S. sends word that on Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 9:30 am - 1 pm there will be a chance to join members of the American Arts Society (a support group of the Milwaukee Art Museum) as they discuss the restoration of the Museum's George Mann Niedecken Fireplace Surround for the Harnischfeger Residence (ca. 1905). Specialist conservator Olaf Unsoeld (Fine Wood Conservation, Ltd., Brooklyn, NY) will be in Milwaukee and will share his assessment and treatment plan for the piece. The day will begin with coffee and pastries, and end with a boxed lunch. $45/person ($40 for American Arts Society Members) Register by May 3. Limited to 30 people. Contact Mel Buchanan 414-224-3281 or mel.buchanan@mam.org. Details here.

Image via MAM

Michigan Modern Symposium: Design That Shaped America

Mark your calendars: The Michigan Modern Symposium will take place June 13-16, 2013 and features an amazing line-up of tours, lectures, and other events that Mod-lovers will want to experience. Check out the booklet of events here for all the details. Take note—conference registration is limited to 500 participants, so register early or be sorry!

Image via michiganmodern.org

Rookery Elevator Panel For Sale

Urban Remains in Chicago recently added a rare elevator door transom from the interior Rookery Building for sale on its website. The metal piece dates from the 1930s renovation by William Drummond and features etched Art Deco motifs and winged animals designed by Annette Byrne. Not sure why it still isn't at the Rookery in downtown Chicago. No price is listed, but I can guess it's got several zeros at the end of it. More here.

Image via Urban Remains

Cityscapes Flooring

I'm digging these super cool geometric floor tiles made of 100% wool felt. The bad news is that they are just prototypes and the creators are looking for a company to partner with to manufacture these. FLOR--call these guys! More here.

Image via allt.sk

Maher Furniture At Auction

Leslie Hindman's upcoming 20th Century Design auction on May 1, 2013 has quite a bit of architecture-related items of interest—and a few that are worrisome. Among the latter is 20 pieces of furniture from the George W. Maher-designed Magerstadt House in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago. The house sold last May for a hefty sum to new owners. I'm not certain that this furniture was part of that sale and is now being sold off, or if it was separated from the house previously and is now coming back to the market. Either way, it's a shame this integrally-designed furniture is not with the house it was only ever intended for. See all of the furniture pieces here.

Image via liveauctioneers.com

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

Looking For A Sweet Usonian Dining Set?

If you're in the market for Usonian furniture for your PrairieMod pad, then move fast and snap-up this one-of-a-kind Frank Lloyd Wright meets R.M. Schindler set of dining table and chairs that's been posted on Craigslist. Details and more pics here.

Image via Craigslist

Wear The Wright Jewelry

Adam F. sends a link to American-made jewelry by ChemArt based on Frank Lloyd Wright designs. See the line here.

Image via chemart.com

University Of Rochester's Beautiful New Book

The University of Rochester reports that Rochester's First Unitarian Church has donated a rare copy of The House Beautiful by William C. Gannett (designed and co-printed by Frank Lloyd Wright from 1896-1898) to the University's Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation. Read more about it here.

Image via rochester.edu

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

(Re)Visioning Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

UbSpectrum.com recently showcased the efforts of University of Buffalo architecture professor, Edward Steinfeld, and his students to help develop “universal” or “inclusive” design changes at Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House that will enable visitors with visual impairments to experience the architecture in a meaningful way. Read more about it here.

Image via ubspectrum.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

Eames Is Just My Type

If you're looking for the perfect MCM font to compliment the MOD design you're working on, then look no further than House Industries' Eames Century Modern collection. Check out all the cool faces and extras here.

Image via House Industries

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...

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

Another Brick-Related Find

On the near northwest side of Chicago, there is an apartment building which has a unique feature in its brickwork that Larry Zgoda speculates may be a connection to the German Expressionist architecture of the early 20th Century. The multi-unit apartment building is on the 1800 block of West Patterson and has several elements of romantic architecture including barley twist downspouts, ornamental iron, and carved stone shields. On one corner of the entry there a treatment in the brickwork that is reminiscent of the vertically dramatic compositions of German Expressionist architecture, especially the Chilehaus-Spitze, in Hamburg. Since this is in a neighborhood that has always been predominantly German, the possible connection is intriguing.

All images copyright Larry Zgoda

Original "Mad Man" Illustrates Latest "Mad Men" Campaign

Sometimes nothing but an original will do. Case in point: When Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner wanted a very specific mid-century feel for the latest season's campaign, he went straight to the source: British illustrator Brian Sanders, 75, whose prolific career spans 50+ years. Read more about Sander's "Mad Men' project in this New York Times interview.

Image via NYT

Clock Watching

If the time change and losing an hour of sleep has you surly, then maybe investing in a sweet George Nelson-designed clock from Vitra will make the transition a little easier to bear. See more here.

Image via Vitra

Will Bruder Lecture At Taliesin West

Will Bruder, internationally celebrated architect based in Phoenix, will speak on Thursday, March 14^th at 7pm at Taliesin West as part of their Spring lecture series. Get more details here.

Image via Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Michael P. Johnson Within Reach

DWR recently caught-up with architect Michael P. Johnson while scouting photo shoot locations for DWR's March catalog. Read more about the meeting here.

Image via dwr.com

365 Days Of Organic Architecture

John and Holly of ODO dropped a line to say that they decided to do a little year-long series on Facebook and their website, and thought PrairieMod readers might find it interesting. The series is called “365 Days of Organic Architecture.” It's a year-long celebration of organic architecture and design using images and tidbits that they have picked up over the years. So many cool things to share, and so few days in a year! See more here and here.

Image via Organic Design Operatives

Ladislav Sutnar's "Build The Town"

I recently stumbled upon the work of Czech graphic and toy designer Ladislav Sutnar and fell in love with his Bauhausian "Build the City" modular block set. Although they never went into production, Sutnar had 50 prototype sets made in the early 1940s, so perhaps I'll get lucky and find one at a yard sale. Read more about Sutnar and his building block city here.

Image via olivertomas.com

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...

Noble Home

Here's a link to an article about a new energy-efficient kit house under construction in Buckland, Massachusettes. The home was designed by Taliesin apprentice Noah Grunberg and is being built through his company Noble Home, LLC. Read more here.

Image via recorder.com

Building The Wright Chair

The good folks at Wright in Wisconsin have undertaken a fascinating project in bringing to life an unbuilt chair designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for one of the American System-Built houses at 2714 West Burnham Street in Milwaukee. Master craftsmen Stafford Norris III and Stephen D. Ritchings have been tasked with bringing this chair to life. Read about their intriguing efforts here.

Image via Wright Chat

You'll Heart These Blocks

Forget to get your sweetie something for Valentine's Day? Then order them these Red House Industries Love Heart Blocks and you'll be sure to make them swoon. Get yours here.

Image via House Industries

Nakashima: A Design Survey

Rago Arts and Auction Center will be having an open house thursday, February 28, 2013 where Mira Nakashima will be giving a talk titled "Nakashima: A Design Survey." Get the details after the jump...
 

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

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