Saturday, September 27, 2008

Greetings From Taliesin

Twenty Eight years ago my mother took my sister and I to visit Frank Lloyd Wright's studio in Spring Green Wisconsin. This is when I fell in love with the area that I now call home. At the time of our visit the 37,000 sf (yes 37,000 sf) home was not open to the public. Last Sunday we finally had an opportunity to tour his home together.
Taliesin was built on the sight of Wright's grandparents family farm along the Wisconsin River. He spent many summers working on the farm in his youth. In the early part of the 20th century two of Wright's Aunts ran a boarding school on the property which supported progressive teaching methods designed to enable the creative mind. The first buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright built on the property were classrooms and dormitories for this school. They were later used by the "fellowship", Wright's students in his school of architecture.
Taliesin was Wright's testing ground for many of his innovative ideas. Much of the building done in the wing pictured above was done quickly by his students. The right hand side of the building was constructed over the ashes of a fire that burned at the site. Important clients we due to arrive and Wright wanted an impressive structure ready to house his guests. Because this wing was not built on a proper foundation it has been sinking over the years. Wright's theory was he could always rebuild at a later time. This part of the building was only expected to be temporary. The shot above is of the dormitory which surrounds the architecture studio. You can see the windows of the studio in the center of the roof.


The views from the home are awesome! Wright's respect for nature, learned at an early age, extends throughout the property. Many of the trees on this property are massive. Oaks, maples and pines are 100-200 years old. This trip was well worth the wait!

10 comments:

bindu said...

How beautiful! I really, really love Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings, especially Falling Water in PA. Never been to any of them though - so am all the more in awe of the area you live in. :)

Rima Staines said...

Hello Chris, thanks for visiting my Hermitage... pleased to meet you and your quilts :)
All the best from Scotland
Rima

ArtPropelled said...

I think I've seen a documentary about Taliesin. The views are indeed awesome!

Greenmare said...

gorgeous. We are headed down to that area this weekend, we're going to Platteville for homecoming! I love that area and I love Frank Lloyd Wright.

Greenmare said...

AND, I think your pear is fabulous!!!!

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

What a wonderful way to spend the day touring the grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright.

I think the pear turned out fabulous and I *can't* see the mistake :)

No heat for us yet but very soon, I think :)

Did you know after Bonnie does your trunk show, she will be heading over to the Wales/Delafield/Oconomowoc area for classes and lectures? email me and I'll send you the link, if interested :)

Anonymous said...

I live so close to Spring Green, there's no excuse not to visit Taliesin. I love the artistry of his designs. Funny story - my grandmother (now 91) met Frank Lloyd Wright when she was in college. Her class toured Taliesin and then gathered in a room so he could address the group. It was very warm in the room, she hadn't eaten, and they were crowded together, standing. In the middle of his lecture, she fainted. She awoke to find Frank Lloyd Wright bending over her, apologizing for talking so long!

Gwen Buchanan said...

I loved this Chris.. What a treat it must have been to tour Taliesin.. so natural and part of the landscape it seems... rather pure feeling.. Thanks.

Maya Sara Matthew said...

What a beautiful part of the world you live in Chris.Thanks for taking me on a tour of this beautiful house.Frank Lloyd Wright's work is awesome.Thank you for following my blog I really appreciate it.

Amanda Jean said...

what a great opportunity! I would love to see that as well. gorgeous scenery, indeed.