The Unknown Craftsman: Creating, and Re-creating, Furniture Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

In the early 20th century, some architects designed not only homes for wealthy clients but also furniture, stained glass windows, rugs and carpets, lighting, and even china and silver service. Frank Lloyd Wright is perhaps most well-known, not only for his distinctive design sensibility, but also for his exacting standards. Wright’s iconic barrel chair was built for the house of Darwin Martin in Buffalo, NY. The original chairs were built in Milwaukee by the Matthews Brothers Company Furniture. The craftsmen there, now nameless, used their experience and skill to make Wright’s conceptual drawings into high-end masterpieces. Alan will share the story of how he studied not only the chairs, but also the history of furniture making and the Martin House, in order to learn the old masters’ woodworking techniques necessary to recreate these works of art.

 

Alan Anderson taught for 30 years for University of Wisconsin - Extension, first as a county-based faculty member and later as a statewide specialist in community and economic development. He was the director of the State Center for Community and Economic Development. He traveled the state of Wisconsin extensively, talking and working with youth, adults, professionals and laypeople. He is also a woodworker and now divides his time between furniture making and volunteering for organizations that he admires. He serves on the board of the Wisconsin Humanities Council and is also very active on a number of other boards and commissions. 

Let's Talk About Work. Come to this ShopTalk event to hear ideas and stories about work, and share your own. ShopTalk conversations are about the past, present, and future of work in Wisconsin. All are welcome. Free and open to the public. This event is brought to you by the Wisconsin Humanities Council and hosted by Mead Public Library.