Wright Disciples Carry The Torch

Fri., Nov. 24, 2000

By Michael Guilfoil mikegu@spokesman.com

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) slyly dismissed his creative genius by explaining that he merely shook his cuffs and designs came tumbling out onto the drawing board.

After more than 200 books devoted to the architect, his admirers probably think they’ve seen everything Wright had up his sleeve.

Imagine their surprise, then, when they open “A Living Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin Architects” by John Rattenbury (Pomegranate, $70) and discover page after glorious page of unfamiliar Wrightesque designs.

That’s because this new volume focuses on the work of Wright’s disciples — 47 homes, office buildings, hotels and concert halls designed and built during the past four decades.

“A Living Architecture” also explores the philosophy behind Wright’s “organic architecture” — the idea of seeking inspiration from natural forms — and demonstrates why its principles are as relevant and fresh today as when Wright championed them almost a century ago.

Rattenbury worked side by side with the master as a member of the Taliesin Fellowship, contributing to 60 of his projects, including the Guggenheim Museum. The author later helped establish Taliesin Architects.

It’s unclear whether Wright passes along to his apprentices any of those famous shirt cuffs. But, based on the projects featured in this handsome volume, it’s obvious his students weren’t dozing in class.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Book Review

“A Living Architecture:

Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin Architects” by John Rattenbury

(Pomegranate, 296 pages, $70)

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