Frank Lloyd Wright has been called the world’s most famous architect. There now exists, across southern Wisconsin, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, that connects some of his most famous and iconic creations. Not the least of which is his home, Taliesin, just across the Wisconsin River from Spring Green.
This was the third time I’ve stood in the drafting room at Hillside School. The first time was about 60 years ago when my dad and some of my brothers stopped in to talk with someone because one of my brothers was thinking of becoming an architect. Thirty years ago, when Taliesin started doing tours, my brother and I came on a Saturday morning for a tour. At that time we walked through the school, but not the house.
Wright’s architecture was unconventional, which is on display in many different ways at Taliesin.
Wright collected East Asian art, on display in the school and the house. And here in the school’s theater, the curtain is distinctively a Frank Lloyd Wright design.
The Romeo and Juliet windmill is another example of Wright’s unconventional style, that’s stood for over 125 years.
Taliesin, “shining brow,” is built along the brow of the hill, not on top of the hill. This is the path leading up to the entrance, where I’m standing.
Before the drafting room in Hillside School, this was the drafting room for Wright and his students.
In the Living Room/Dining Room, examples of Wright’s unconventional, and uncomfortable, chairs.
The comfortable furniture is along the walls, with expansive views of the beautiful Wyoming Valley.
Wright took his design ideas from nature, even sea shells.
Good bye Shining Brow.
His trademark, and a photo, at the drafting table.
Hillside School
Taliesin, from across the valley
RADIOSCRIBE 