Most people are familiar with Wisconsin born Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect who became known for his leadership in the Prairie School movement of architecture. But did you know that in his later years he designed a line of commercial home furnishings?
In 1955, Frank Lloyd Wright developed the "Taliesin Ensemble," a line of furnishings for those that did not live in one of his homes. Partnerships were formed with 5 companies
1) Heritage Henredon - furniture
2) Karastan - rugs
3) The Martin-Senour Company - paints
4) Minic - Vases and
5) F. Schumacher & Co. - fabrics and wallpapers.
The Krug Rare Books Room is fortunate to own some of the sample books and fabrics that were part of The Taliesen Line. The Taliesin Line of Decorative Fabrics and Wallpapers is a one volume book containing fabric and wallpaper samples. There are an additional 22 folded pieces of fabric samples that accompany the book. The library also has Frank Lloyd Wright Selects the Taliesin Palette in Martin-Senour Paints sample book.
You may arrange to view the Taliesin Line materials by calling the Art, Music & Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 and making an appointment with a member of the Rare Books team.
To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.
Submitted by Patricia DeFrain, Rare Books Librarian
