DISCOVERING THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT COLLECTION WITH BULOVA
David
Article: Frank Lloyd Wright watches from Bulova
Re: Article: Frank Lloyd Wright watches from Bulova
Really, this is a shame. What does the watch face, or the print piece, have to do with anything Frank Lloyd Wright drew ? Are the colors his---at the Imperial, or anywhere else ? The answers are "nothing," and "no."
Neither the colors nor the line work on this watch face duplicate anything found in Wright's portfolio. It's possible that an apprentice illustrator might have employed such circus hues in a rendering of, for instance, the unbuilt County Fair Pavilion at the Marin County Civic Center---but they are not representative of the architect's own fine color sense.
This incoherent graphic mess would be a black eye for any designer; to imply (as does its very presence in this context) that it is a Wrightian design is an insult to America's greatest architect. Isn't it ?
Does the Foundation not have the ability or the will to exert a firm hand in the negotiations with those wishing to benefit from a licensing agreement ? Does the person or persons responsible, at the Foundation, not recognize the travesty that objects like this, bearing Wright's name, represents ? There are literally hundreds of examples of Wright's graphic work available (setting aside for the moment the question of whether the architect would approve of such use); why would either the Foundation or a manufacturer think it appropriate to substitute the genuine article---which they are supposedly honoring---with ersatz make-believe "Wrightian" design matter ?
The result is nothing less than an insult, both to Wright's status as a designer and to his many devoted followers, as I see it.
It is ironic that, while dozens of stewards are faithfully maintaining Wright's built work around the country, making many personal sacrifices in rejecting all but the most accurate restoration choices, closer to home the Foundation whose purpose is to extend and expand the world's appreciation of Wright's work is literally "giving away the store" while raising much-needed funds---when it seems to me no such sacrifice in integrity need be made.
Those outside the circle, including well-meaning if misguided merchants, cannot be expected fully to recognize the difference between Wright's disciplined hand and keen eye, and those lesser designers in their employ. It is up to the Wrightians, the scholars closest to the source, to lead. The Foundation must be expected to hold high the standard, for who else will ?
SDR
Neither the colors nor the line work on this watch face duplicate anything found in Wright's portfolio. It's possible that an apprentice illustrator might have employed such circus hues in a rendering of, for instance, the unbuilt County Fair Pavilion at the Marin County Civic Center---but they are not representative of the architect's own fine color sense.
This incoherent graphic mess would be a black eye for any designer; to imply (as does its very presence in this context) that it is a Wrightian design is an insult to America's greatest architect. Isn't it ?
Does the Foundation not have the ability or the will to exert a firm hand in the negotiations with those wishing to benefit from a licensing agreement ? Does the person or persons responsible, at the Foundation, not recognize the travesty that objects like this, bearing Wright's name, represents ? There are literally hundreds of examples of Wright's graphic work available (setting aside for the moment the question of whether the architect would approve of such use); why would either the Foundation or a manufacturer think it appropriate to substitute the genuine article---which they are supposedly honoring---with ersatz make-believe "Wrightian" design matter ?
The result is nothing less than an insult, both to Wright's status as a designer and to his many devoted followers, as I see it.
It is ironic that, while dozens of stewards are faithfully maintaining Wright's built work around the country, making many personal sacrifices in rejecting all but the most accurate restoration choices, closer to home the Foundation whose purpose is to extend and expand the world's appreciation of Wright's work is literally "giving away the store" while raising much-needed funds---when it seems to me no such sacrifice in integrity need be made.
Those outside the circle, including well-meaning if misguided merchants, cannot be expected fully to recognize the difference between Wright's disciplined hand and keen eye, and those lesser designers in their employ. It is up to the Wrightians, the scholars closest to the source, to lead. The Foundation must be expected to hold high the standard, for who else will ?
SDR
Re: Article: Frank Lloyd Wright watches from Bulova
I agree Stephen, the Taliesin's are nothing more than Architectural petting zoos for tourists, the foundation has become so unWrightian that I'm not really sure what they stand for anymore. So many missed opportunities to create something to be proud of and look to the future. What a mess.
KevinW
Re: Article: Frank Lloyd Wright watches from Bulova
Right, Kevin. Once something is "out there"---a political lie, or a badly-designed object---it is as good as permanent. The horse has left the barn, the cat is out of the bag, and the milk has been spilt. (Maybe the freed cat will drink the spilt milk; that's neither here nor there.) While America (and the world) suffers from untruths broadcast widely in recent years, the art world is assaulted with bogus objects posing as the real thing. Too late to reconsider ? For all intents and purposes, yes. For years to come, these wrist watches will be handed on from one owner to the next, each time offered with the time-honored phrase, "These are Frank Lloyd Wright, you know . . .!"
The Old Man is perched up there, somewhere, in Architectural Paradise (a heavenly theme park ?), choking on his morning coffee at this latest "spit in the master's cup." Let's try to do better, eh ?
S
The Old Man is perched up there, somewhere, in Architectural Paradise (a heavenly theme park ?), choking on his morning coffee at this latest "spit in the master's cup." Let's try to do better, eh ?
S