Video: Martin House basement - Buffalo, NY

[Roderick Grant]

One instance of the "date of significance" at H&S being ignored involved the south bedroom. According to historical data, the transom window in what was called "Catherine's Day Room" did not exist in 1909, the significant date, being the last year FLW was living there. During the 1911 remodeling, the window was added. The restoration team correctly chose not to eliminate that window just to be nit-pickingly correct.

At the very least, everything that FLW was responsible for in a house being restored should be considered worth keeping, though in some instances, that can be a problem, such as H&S, which FLW reconstructed as multifamily housing in '11. But the 1909 was a more significant year, and the logical choice.

[DavidC]

Who lived in the 2nd floor of the Carriage House? - (0:41)


David

[DavidC]

Sharing some History - (4:56)


David

[DavidC]

The Martin Family Piano - (1:43)


David

[Roderick Grant]

The Martin House Papers that were auctioned off in 1984 in Hollywood included a thumbnail sketch by Wright himself on a scrap of tracing paper of a piano for the house that was not built. Apparently, when Scott Elliott bought the papers, and later negotiated with Stanford University and SONY Buffalo for a sale, some of the more desirable sketches were kept by Elliott to be sold individually. I have never found out for certain which of those drawings were not included in the set that went to the universities, but apparently the perspective sketch was one that did not make it.

[DavidC]

Frank Lloyd Wright Martin House getting new decor - (0:43)


David

[DavidC]

Visit the 2nd floor of the Carriage House - (3:28)


David

[Roderick Grant]

Perhaps my 'education' in art is inadequate, but I believe much that passes muster is lacking, including Kaneko's work. To enliven a pre-school play yard, it might serve well.

As FLW servant accommodations go, this is palatial!

[DavidC]

Buffalo Restaurants Sell Meals To Support the Martin House


David

[DavidC]

Virtual Visit Between Two Prairie Homes - (2:22)


David

[DavidC]

Guest Suite and Servants' Quarters - (3:37)


David

[DavidC]

Wright's Use of Natural Light - (3:04)


David

[Roderick Grant]

One detail not stated: The ceiling lay-lights along the doors to the living room porch were an addition after the house was completed, Martin complained that the room was too dark, so FLW made the floor of the upstairs balcony translucent and added the art glass panels. They were not part of the original design.

[DavidC]

Wright’s Gardens and Vistas - (2:14)


David

[DavidC]

Architecture for Democracy - (2:32)


David