Frank Lloyd Wright at Figg Street Co.
One of the little delights I experience when ordering new items for Figg Street Co., is discovering the latest Blackwing volumes. Each year, Blackwing releases new pencil styles, also known as volumes. Some stick around for a while, others are limited editions.
This past September (2024), Blackwing released Volume 71, a collection of pencils that honour Frank Lloyd Wright and his architectural ambition. There are four colour variants in each 12-pack, all with an extra-firm graphite core. The pencil collection inspired me and got me thinking about the man, his creations, and architecture, in general.
Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Wisconsin in 1867 and died in Arizona in 1959. He lived 91 years and in that time designed and built many structures that remain significant influences on our culture today. More than just creating several buildings, he developed a unique style and pioneered change. Today he's considered one of the top mid-century modern architects in history.
Prairie-style homes
Early on in his career, Frank Lloyd Wright designed and created many homes inspired by the low, flat terrain of the Midwest called Prairie-style homes. Horizontal lines feature prominently. Unlike the homes that came before, these buildings had open floor plans and built-in furniture. Prairie-style homes also have a lot of wood details and art glass windows. Another feature is that the entrances are typically at the side, or tucked away and out of full view from the front.
You don't need to travel far to tour a prime example of a Prairie-style house. The Martin House in Buffalo is one. I've visited it many times since I love it very much. The first time I went, I was so inspired I wanted to design my own home. In addition to the world-class architecture, there's beautiful wisteria and flowering trees to enjoy, if you visit during the springtime. Check out our Reverie section for more information.
Fallingwater
It's rare to engage in a talk about Frank Lloyd Wright and not mention Fallingwater. One of his most recognizable buildings is this visionary house that essentially replicates or extends the waterfall that rests below it. This is a beautiful example of nature inspiring architecture. The house was created for the Kauffmann family from 1937 to 1939 and resides in the Fayette County of Pennsylvania, which is near the southwest corner of the state.
The Guggenheim
Another one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous works is the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Located across the street from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park, the Guggenheim is an eye-catching landmark you can't miss. It's another wonderful example of nature's influence on design through the use of curved, organic lines and a spiral ramp inside inspired by the nautilus shell. This building took many years to design and build. Unfortunately, Frank Lloyd Wright died a few months before the official opening of the museum in 1959.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed too many buildings to list here, but they included the Tokyo Imperial Hotel in Japan and many structures in the United States, such as Taliesin, Hollyhock House and Taliesin West.
A couple of these feature in the historical novel Loving Frank, written by Nancy Horan. If you enjoy historical fiction, you might like this story told from the perspective of Mamah Borthwick, Frank Lloyd Wright's romantic partner. The book offers insight into early twentieth century America and surprisingly true events that occurred during the famous architect's life.
We hope you've found some inspiration through this look back at one of the great architects of the 20th century. What are some of your favourite buildings and house styles?
