The significance of furniture in preserving architectural legacies cannot be undermined. Norman Silk, the current owner of the Turkel House in Detroit, experienced this firsthand when he saw one of the original chairs from his home being auctioned off. Deciding to bid on it, he was astonished when the bidding price skyrocketed to an astounding $50,400. Although he stopped at $45,000, he recognized the value of having the original furniture pieces that were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself.
However, the absence of these rare originals did not deter Silk from ensuring that the Turkel House remained true to Wright’s vision. After obtaining approval from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, he sought the expertise of a local cabinetmaker to create faithful reproductions based on Wright’s original plans. While Silk acknowledged the charm of owning the originals, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the furniture’s integral role in the overall design of the house.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the architect’s work, has also recognized the significance of furniture in the preservation process. They have implemented innovative strategies, such as including furniture in preservation easements, giving the organization the legal right to monitor and ensure the furniture remains inside the designated property, regardless of how many times the home is sold.
John Waters, the preservation programs manager at the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, emphasizes the desire to retain furniture and decorative arts in their original locations. Wright, like many architects, aimed to create a harmonious environment where every element, including furniture, contributed to the overall design.
To commend exceptional efforts in preserving Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy, the organization presents the prestigious Wright Spirit Awards. In 2020, the University of Victoria Legacy Art Galleries received recognition for returning seven art glass windows to their original site at the Martin House in Buffalo, New York.
Preserving the legacy of renowned architects involves more than just the buildings themselves. The inclusion of original furniture and decorative items becomes imperative in creating a holistic experience for visitors and ensuring the architectural vision remains intact for generations to come.
Photo by Libby March/The Washington Post/Getty Images
FAQ Section:
Q: What is the significance of furniture in preserving architectural legacies?
A: Furniture plays a crucial role in preserving architectural legacies as it contributes to the overall design and vision of renowned architects.
Q: How did Norman Silk, the current owner of the Turkel House, realize the value of original furniture pieces?
A: Norman Silk witnessed the auction of one of the original chairs from his home, which reached a bidding price of $50,400. This experience made him recognize the value of owning furniture pieces designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself.
Q: What did Norman Silk do to maintain the Turkel House’s authenticity despite the absence of the original furniture?
A: After obtaining approval from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Norman Silk hired a local cabinetmaker to create faithful reproductions of the furniture based on Wright’s original plans.
Q: How does the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy recognize the significance of furniture in preservation?
A: The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy includes furniture in preservation easements, giving them the legal right to monitor and ensure that the furniture remains inside the designated property, even if the home is sold.
Q: What is the purpose of the Wright Spirit Awards?
A: The Wright Spirit Awards aim to commend exceptional efforts in preserving Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural legacy.
Definitions:
– Furniture: Objects that are movable and used to support various human activities, such as seating, sleeping, and storage.
– Architectural Legacy: The body of work left behind by renowned architects that represents their contribution to the field of architecture.
– Preservation Easements: Legal agreements that grant a conservation organization the right to protect and monitor specific aspects of a property, such as furniture, to ensure their preservation.
Suggested Related Links:
https://savingplaces.org/places/fallingwater – Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous architectural achievements.
https://www.franklloydwright.org – Official website of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, providing information about Wright’s life, work, and preservation efforts.