Discover the Masterpiece Hidden in LA: The Hollyhock House by Frank Lloyd Wright
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- Опубліковано 30 січ 2023
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Explore the stunning Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Aline Barnsdall's progressive theatrical community. Discover how Wright's design integrates elements of nature, including water, fire, and air, and how the house reflects Aline's favorite flower, the Hollyhock. Learn about the history of the house, from its construction to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us on This House and hit the subscribe button for more fascinating episodes.
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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress, Carol M. Highsmith, Hollyhock House Archive, Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles
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From 1990 thru 1993, I was a docent here and can remember every space. Mr Wright did a fine job of creating a work of art. He didn't realize that Los Angeles could get quite cool during the winter months, so it was built without a central heating plant and when one was finally installed in the 1940's it was inadequate and the house felt quite cold for the 90 days of winter. Aside from that, it was a privilege to work there every other Saturday.
In the early 1990s, I lived about a block from Barnsdall Park and Hollyhock House. I would go over there once in a while and found it always a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the day. There were always families enjoying themselves and usually some event going on. I did tour inside the house once and wondered if it really could be a livable home as, for all it's wonderful architecture, it didn't look very homey or warm.
I was a docent there giving tours in the 90's so maybe we met. 🙂 The house had its homey and warm places, but too many. Most of the original furniture was gone and we had very little to go on with reproducing it, except the living & dining rooms, so it would have looked a little more inviting furnished. The house was also designed without a heating plant, because FLLW thought that it was always nice & warm in L.A., but all of us volunteers frequently got the chills and sore throats from the cool and dampness of the place, even with the help of some hidden electric heaters, vintage 1920, that Miss Barnsdall had installed. I still like the place a lot for the industrial design vibes it gives off, but that doesn't appeal to most people.
As others have mentioned, Wright was first and foremost a pioneering artist who melded form and function. He was not an engineer. Time and gravity have sadly caught up with some of his homes. My Dad grew up in Los Angeles, and attended UCLA in the 1950s. He recalled having attended an event at the Hollyhock House. A few years ago I found a Hi-Def drone tour of the recently restored building, and he loved seeing it again. He used some of Wright's inspiration when building his own home in Arizona. Periodically, less famous Wright-designed homes come on the market. I'm always happy to see them restored, but living in one would be quite a responsibility. I have yet to see a chair he designed that looks comfortable, but boy are they beautiful. :)
The falling water house, the engineers added more concrete to the house than he specified, even though he was furious that they did it, it was a very good thing that they did, but that house is a leaky moldy mess for years
I lived in a concrete house for 12 years we never had a leak. I wonder if the concrete is made differently now than it was back then. Even the basement was one dry there. I can imagine it would eventually get mold leaky & no heaters ?
@@blazefairchild465 it's because it's built in a waterfall, had the house been built about 30 feet away it likely wouldn't have had any issues, but it photographs beautifully
@@califdad4 Oh I know about that waterfall but is that the only leaky spot , this one leaked all over on the roof & elsewhere it said & was built without planning for any indoor heating. Both father & son designed beautiful works of art,but homes have to be comfortable for the lifestyle of the owner.
Ummm, your art has to be what its supposed to be, an ‘artist’ who uses paint that never dries and runs over time didnt accomplish anything besides a mess. Same with frank. I mean, look at what the man did to his wife, kids and client! It’s totally okay to appreciate his beautiful designs, but a lot of what you see online is like, fanboy material which I think is actually kinda harmful. We shouldn’t look up to him as a role model, we should appreciate his pretty pictures. The end.
I attended a cocktail party on the grounds there during the 1997 Art Deco convention.
Hollyhock and the Ennis house are tied for my 2 favorite homes he made. They are such incredible pieces that while unconventional just draw me in.
That's right! Ennis House has now become a century-long epic of constant maintenance & expense.
Visited it in 1991 the first time I went to LA. I'm a huge Flw fan and this house is amazing..there is one where I live in Greenville SC.. Broad Margin
This house is in my neighborhood and I drive by it all the time. Barnsdall Park and the house are what is left of the estate. There were once olive groves all around the property. It is the last of the grand homes that once lined Hollywood Blvd.
I was very lucky to have grown up five minutes away from the Hollyhock house in Silver Lake. In the 80’s and 90’s I took countless art classes, photography and performed in plays in the theater on the property (Barnsdall Art Park). I have incredible memories of my time here as it was a haven in a city that could be quite overwhelming at times for a sensitive child. A piece (peace) of tranquility in the midst of chaotic Hollywood. I remember the damage after the 94’ quake. I am so glad it has been restored as I no longer live in Los Angeles. Wonderful memories, thank you for bringing them back into focus.
I lived in L.A. during my late teens early 20's in the 1990's. My second apartment was on Edgemont St, next to Hollyhock House. I remember the 1994 earthquake which caused a lot of damage to the East Hollywood neighborhood. I have fond memories of Hollyhock house and its grounds. I'm so happy to see the city is taking good care of it.
Frank Lloyd Wright's style incorporates many elements of the Art Deco and European Bauhaus style. Wright's buildings just go beyond Bauhaus as they add the nature aspect to the design. Absolutely fascinating!
I visited in 1968, as a teenager. A very modern art, paper-mache sculpture of mine, had won awards. My Mom drove me to Barnsdall Park for an evening of admiring all of the other student's efforts. My assignment had been to craft an imaginary animal: an orange rhino with zebra stripes from pale yellow to maroon & bedroom eyes complete with yarn eyelashes. Very '60s. Truly not my style, I gave it away to a friend who actually liked my creature, just a few years later.
At the time I didn't know it was a FLW building, I was 14, but I remember it was amazing.
I was a docent at the Hollyhock house under the supervision of Ginny Kazor (spelling?). Ginny scoured city warehouses and found some of the original pieces of furniture FLW designed and had built. They were returned to the house. It was a fabulous experience. Mayor Tom Bradley, I believe, funded some of the maintenance. The skylight leaked back then & the water that surrounded the fireplace supposedly got stagnant because the pump system never worked properly. Visitors got the concept of water, fire & air in spite of its' issues. I think FLW was in Japan working on a hotel while the house was under construction. The communication was tedious on such a large project so his son took over. We planted hollyhocks outside as a project. Fun. Fun.
There was a water feature of the grounds, where water ran from the exterior pond down to a small temple-like tomb. I explored this when I was around 8 years old. There is also a concrete textile block pergola on the northwest side of the hill. My family connection goes back to the 1920s, when my architect grandfather, Kurt Meyer-Radon, brought his family to Southern California from Germany to work with Richard Neutra and Allied Architects. I mention the pergola because among the family photos was one of my teenage mother and her interpretive dance ensemble, wearing cute little togas and laurel crowns, posed inside the structure, taken in the early 1930s. I have been able to visit all of the Wright homes in Southern California over the years as well as many homes and buildings around the U.S. I live in New York now, and we have visited Usonia, in White Plains and have explored the Wright homes there. It's true that he was a pain in the ass to all of his clients, but he left a remarkable body of work.
What wonderful connections & experiences . Thanks for sharing !
So interesting! Thank you!
I've seen the picture you are talking about! So cool to have a connection!!!
I visited in 1999 or 2000 when the house was still closed for renovation. I explored the grounds as best I could but the house itself was fenced off. I was surprised how it rose on a hill from a very congested, busy & somewhat seedy neighborhood. Thanks for this video.
@@wallacehamilton5596 SEEDY?!, I need to google it!🦝🦝🙀🙀👀👀
I got see this house in 1989 as part of a class at UCLA along with many other houses .My own house in the Reseda was damaged in the earthquake as well .They called it the Northridge Earthquake but it was really centered under my house in Reseda according to the experts .
We visited Hollyhock a few years ago and were very impressed with the available space allowed for visitors. The exterior is also beautiful. It was explained that when the structure was completed the view of the Pacific Ocean was easily present and without the additional population / growth as the owner held more property at the time.
We did visit this incredible home after it was recently reopened and it is as magnificent as you just showed!
One of my favorite house ever with Ennis House :3
This house is in the Los Feliz District of LA on a hillside directly across from the hill top it is on is a portion of the Hollywood Hills and you can see, Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and another FLW Estate, one that he was said to actually live in but I'm not totally certain about that part. This property is still used for Theatre, Film School, Art Exibitions and small Concerts! I'm a Big Fan of FLW and I LOVED living in Los Feliz from 2001-2015 so much, when they were renovating the Hollyhock House I was able to take a tour and donated some of my Great Grandfathers Books from before 1927 for authenticity and prosperity to the houses' Library! I'm still sad I can't live there anymore but as long as HH is still standing, a part of me is still there! Thank you for sharing! I hope to see it and more of his creations someday! Something that struck me on the tour is that Aline was an Unmarried Single Mother! In that Day it was unheard of and think she must have been very brave!
Visited several years ago - It's a little gem, and I found myself spending quite a bit of time inside just appreciating the interior space. Very friendly staff and very decicated to the building. I get the impression most Angelenos don't know it's there.
We know, but you’re right that it isn’t commodified in a way that draws crowds. My brother was visiting from Sacramento and asked to “see architecture,” and it was fun to say, “Wanna go see a FLW?” The interior is currently closed, however. I’m hopeful that tours will resume soon.
I lived near Oberlin, Ohio where a Lloyd Wright home was built. It wasn't one of his grand masterpieces, but his touch was evident the minute you laid eyes on it!
That one looks like it would be a very comfortable living space.
Getting ancient Egypt vibes. Very magical.
Tomorrow, February 1st, we successfully won the lottery to visit Carolands in Hillsborough California! Amazingly it’s only 30 minutes from our home. I never knew about this property until I saw your incredible video recently. This House is an amazing and unique channel!
Congratulations!
@@ThisHouse I owe it all to you my friend!
The Hollyhock House is beautiful.
I would like to see a video featuring Beth Sarim, because of the circumstances surrounding funding such a house during great economic hardship.
Thank you so much, I appreciate your videos. My husband and I lived in the David David mansion in Bloomington IL. It is owned by the state always lots of maintenance but living there gave me a great appreciation for these wonderful old homes.
I visited the Hollyhock House upon its reopening about 7 years ago. What I experienced was the sense of a sacred space upon entering. True to his vision of designing architecture from the inside out, it felt like entering a temple or College Library. The poetic glass forms of the windows were mesmerizing. His designs seemed rarified and codified to such a precise vision, no detail was overlooked inside. His fantastic designs were more akin to captivating imagination rather than rote utilitarian design. He aimed to seduce with a harmonious interplay with every line, form, and detail. While the thought of having to use his furniture with its same rhythmic tonality may have been overwhelming, one has to admire the audacity of his scope. It was his world and the client was expected to fall into line of his truth before the world. I understand that when a client hired Wright it was said he didn’t come to work for you but the reverse was true. Perhaps the totality of his control alienated him ultimately from clients, but what is undeniable is he was a poet of architecture. His designs captivated and left no room for anything but his vision. Still, the idea of the interior becoming a sacred space by virtue of allowing the outside to so unobtrusively be felt inside was his great accomplishment. He freed architecture from the box, and thought far outside of them.
Visited there last year. While you're limited to a few areas, you're pretty much free to spend as much time as you like on your own to experience it. Much better than tours that rush a group from room to room and then push you out before you can soak it in.
I love the designs and especially the concrete doors which is spectacularly out of the time even now ,sadly the maintenance cost is shocking , however happy to be maintained despite its age ,waiting to visit it one day , excellent presentation,all the very best from your sincere subscriber
My paternal grandparents lived in a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Utah for years. I didn't know it was one of his homes until they were both gone. It was sold in the late 80s. It still exists to this day. He built solid homes to last for generations.
George M. Frandsen and his partner, David A. Carlquist owned the house for 10 years between the times it was owned by Don and Jane Stromquist. The home is currently occupied by Don and Jane’s youngest son, George Stromquist.
We had a Wright house in McCook, Nebraska that was a solid as a bank vault and still is, as I understand it, after 116 years. I was never inside, but newspaper article from 17 years ago said that the current owners were rejuvenating the electrical wiring and found what they guessed was original light bulbs from the Thomas Edison Company still working.
I attended Art school academy there held within those buildings i 1971/1972 (students selected through LA city schools art class programs) and one of my sculptures was sleeted to go on tour with other students creations to Japan! ": )
Truly one of Wrights gems.
I’ve never heard of this place. Very interesting. Thank you.
Back in the early 90’s I had the honor of being the choreographer for the anniversary gala California Romanza at the hollyhock house with Ed Asner and Vanessa Redgrave. It was such a wonderful experience for a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan! Thanks for the video.
Although I could not visit the interiors the house and the whole area took me by surprise. The land is a park with people gathering around it with views to the Hollywood sign and the Grififht Observatory. The house is very strange from the outiside which looks a lot like a ancient brick pyramid or Maya building. It's worth paying a visit and enjoying the area today open to the public!
Thank you so much for your fresh perspective on this House. I think Hollyhocks were probably one of FLW's favorite flowers as well as almost all his building plans incorporate them. Miss Barnsdall was definitely a kindred spirit, like many of Wright's Clients / Patrons - they had infinite patience and deep pockets. Wright was blessed equally if not more so by forgiving clients, and the contractors and builders who lovingly worked on his buildings after they were built. To his credit, I know from experience as a handyman, that complex angles on roof lines are extremely hard to get not to leak, from the get go. It is a blessing this masterpiece survived, many thanks to Miss Barnsdall, his designs for the other buildings on her would be arts colony are also extremely fascinating. It is a treasure and part of our collective cultural heritage that this building survived. Many people dismiss Wright for his "leaky roofs" and exorbitant costs, but they fail to realize that he built almost a 1ooo buildings, if I recall correctly. As well as had his hands in numerous projects executed by his students. Many of which, though equally daring in engineering, did not have the problems of buildings like Fallingwater, Hollyhock House, or the Johnson Wax administration building.
I was a roofer at one time in my life and know the challenges of flat roofs, still like the way they look, but you have to give them an appropriate pitch and strength to make the structure liveable, much like that of an office building or factory. That wasn't done here.
First time I went there was while I was in rehab. We would walk there and just sit on the lawn and just nap, chat or meditate.
One of my favorite Wright houses. Thanks for showcasing this.
Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s, I would find Barnsdall Park my private domain as my parents would drop me off with the stipulation that I not exceed the park's boundaries. My friends and I would climb up and around the Hollyhock House like feral monkeys. (There was no security or rehab going on at that time.) I was intrigued by the seemingly pointless decorations built into the structure. There was a little concrete gutter that extended into the park area. In dry Los Angeles it made no sense. I now see it was a water feature. I really enjoyed the Hollyhock House as a play yard element. And Barnsdall Park was tremendous fun, featuring art classes and endless possibilities for mischief. Of course, today a parent could not leave a child alone in a park in the middle of Los Angeles. It wasn't a great idea 50 years ago, but somehow I survived.
I visited several decades ago and loved it. I did see how it could feel overwhelming as a residence. It is unfortunate the rest of the project was never completed.
How interesting. We walked around the house 24th December 2022, enjoying the house and the location in the sunshine.
We could see that it is still under restoration.
I saw many of FLW' buildings. As an architect myself I admire his works as an architectural abstract art. Some of his houses have serious constructional-functional problems. For example, The Falling Water has permanent inside leakages, so it is the double Falling Water - outside & inside. Many of his residential houses are not really comfortable, not warm, not cosy. This one is a perfect example of a beautiful cold bunker.
Hey, those leaks in Fallingwater were deliberate, as Frank said, bringing the outdoors in! And the client never truly appreciated that aspect.
Wright was from another planet. Incredible architect.
When money is no worry and looks supersede function and longevity. None the less a spectacular building and grounds.
Omg that weed is a Holly Hock?! They are everywhere in my yard and I have done so many watercolors of those and never knew what they were. They seed themselves all over. And bumble bees and hummingbirds love them.
Never understood the fascination/attraction to Wright's buildings. Square, straight, cold, institutional...these are the words I would use to to describe his work.
Frank Lloyd Wright was a pure genius, decades ahead of his time and produced some astonishing buildings! But the upkeep and maintenance of the majority was a hinderance to owning one. His engineering skills were unsurpassed but the use of water had a very corrosive effect on the stability and longevity of them. The only one I have actually been in was the Guggenheim art gallery in New York, an amazing experience! But I instantly recognised his design in the home of the Canadian detective in the TV series, Murdoch. His visionary hand was unmistakable.
There are so many amazing details that really leave an impact . I love this home because it works with the nature around it. The wood work, the natural light and intimacy of this home is amazing.
I’m just south of LA but have never been!
In England they have a saying when things get bumpy:
“Hold on to your Hollyhocks!” 🌸🤣
I love his southwestern home of Taliesin West!
I grew up nearby and been on field trips there, and recently when the campus was used to host Chihuly's glass sculpture gallery as a dual display with the desert botanical gardens. standing in that drafting room inspired me to pursue architecture as a hobby. Hmu
I visited this house just last year! as with many of FLW's homes, it feels very cramped in the interior for us modern dwellers (Robbe house and falling water as well). Apparently it was FLW's intention to direct ppl away from the narrow corridors into the living room. The courtyard is also higher than the interiors, so when it rains it all leaks into the house. The main bedroom and roof areas were not open, so you don't get 100% of indoor outdoor experience. You can only really see the dark cramped corners of the house, none of the grand outdoor party spaces.
At last! A house I've actually been in. Love this place. Great work. Thanks.
Frank Lloyd Wright marched to the beat of his own drum.
I have enjoyed submitting and reading the comments. I want to share our experience with the Reisley House, at the Usonia development, in Pleasantville, NY. In 1995, We had the privilege of meeting the owners, Roland and Ronny Reisley, who built the house in 1951 as a newly-married couple. The stories they told were classic Frank Lloyd Wright. They wanted a garage, it being Westchester County. Wright insisted on a carport. They got a carport. Wright's estimated $20,000.00 price spiraled as construction proceeded and they were barely able to keep up, going considerably over Wright's promised budget. At one point, Wright arrived and announced that the house must have a copper-sheathed roof. Roland asked meekly if they could wait. Wright remarked that "A gentleman has a copper roof." They got a copper roof. They had a cherished family dining room table, which was rejected by Wright in place of a table and chairs his own design. They would use their table and chairs, keeping the Wright pieces in storage, making sure to swap when they knew he was coming to visit. He insisted on a Chambers stove- they bought, and still use, the appliance. I had some technical discussion with the Wright historian who guided our group. Wright was limited in his choice of sealants and other materials. The state-of-the-art, pre the epoxy and silicone caulking revolution, was "Canadian Balsam resin", which was used to glue glass panes together and to seat them into stonework. I suspect that Wright's leaky roofs might have been drier with today's modern materials.
im only halfway through this and it is absolutely jaw-droppingly astonishing - such verve !
I love your videos .keep up the good work and thanks .
I don't know about all FL Wright buildings, but they were more about the look than anything to live in.
Visited the property the first time it was open to the public. Great tour. Very interesting to see it during the restoration process. Need to go back again!
I knew someone who stayed in one of the guest houses for a while. His opinion was the same as Aline Barnsdall's: it was a very uncomfortable living space, because its form did not follow functions.
I've been to Barnesdall Park a few times. Not in the guest house/s, but toured the grounds and the main house. The stained glass is beautiful, as are some of the decorations, but I wouldn't want to live there.
Very interesting design but it also has a very heavy & oppressive feeling. The water aspect might further add to the cave-like atmosphere. I'd enjoy visiting this house but couldn't imagine comfortably living in it.
I wish you would feature the Gamble house in Pasadena CA.
We did back in October, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/5Z8JLALHWmc/v-deo.html
@@ThisHouse I looked but didn't find it! Thanks.
Paul R. Williams' work around Los Angeles also deserves in depth review.
wonderful presentation of this property, you have a voice that one can relax and watch in full from begging to end of a video.
My GOD, that was spectacular!
It’s beautiful!
I visited the Hollyhock House several times in the early 1970s. It wasn't open but it was a fascinating place to explore.
I worked for someone who had a large FLR house. It was really spectacular, but this house is almost from a science fiction dream. The house of my employer was famous for its sieve like roof and FLR told the origional owner basicly to piss off when he complained about it.
Wright pushed the lots of physics on many occasions. This is not the only property he designed that has on going, expensive, issues.
Honestly it' looks so futuristic how cool
Franks work is like scotch whisky, you like it or you don't!
Beautiful
as a LACC Film student I filmed two projects there a same location (nothing to Mr. Wright) it a surreal location, visit if you can.
Stunning 👌🏻😎
4:06 my uncle, who was an architect in Chicago would make the same kind of comments about Wright’s houses. They leaked like a sieve ☔️
It is close to the Hollywood & Vine Bus route, within short walking distance.
I visited Hollyhock house about 25 years ago. It's an amazing house for sure, but I don't happen to like concrete. I would not be able to live in that house. When I toured it, it was in need of some tlc in areas. Art classes and showings are still conducted on the land there. It's a nice place.
I was always pleasantly surprised that all of Mr Wright's art glass was intact, now 104 years later!
I owned a condo that was very cool, cutting edge, award winning… and a total nightmare of constant expensive repairs. I’m not sure that some architects are practical.
That's incredible
Mr Wright designed beautiful looking houses, but it seems to me that many times his genius did not extend too far into the future of how the building was going to hold up in the future. Of course being on the forefront in any field this is to be expected.
His selection of materials were based on his esoteric tastes. He didn't always think of durability. That's why his Waterfall house, for example, is always in constant and expensive maintenance and repair.
Many of his works seem to be so poorly designed, especially at a time when homes were really made to last. It amazes me that he is the most lauded architect in the US.
@@heru-deshet359 what do you mean precisely by esoteric taste?
@@ganymededarling It's because his designs are incredibly beautiful and unique.
@@ganymededarling Not true.
I visited last time that I was in LA, and it's certainly more Art Deco than Art Noveau, but to fulfill her wish of including hollyhocks, he had to combine both styles.
I toured the Hollyhock house about 30 years ago, at least, maybe longer. As there are only a few FLLW homes in LA open to the public (and a few more that aren't) I found the tour very enjoyable and the design is and was remarkable for the unique design for the times. I dare say nothing else like it could have existed when this was built. The unique formulation of space as a co-component with form - space/form (sort of the same notion as space-time by Einstein) was entirely unique save some of the Craftsman style homes by Green and Green in Pasadena and Flintridge.
That's very wise what Frank Lloyd Wright said.
Not gonna lie, Frank Lloyd Wright houses and them falling soon into disrepair seems to be a recurring theme, lol.
I don't know if it is the same, but that house totally reminds me of the one in the old Vincent Price movie the house on haunted hill.
The exterior of The House On Haunted Hill is also a Frank Lloyd Wright house and can be seen in the hills above Los Felix Blvd from the roof of Hollyhock House, just a couple miles away as the crow flies, built in 1924. It's massive and frequently had exterior walls that crumbled due to seismic activity trying to destroy the concrete block filled with wet mortar-like material that it was built of. It was originally built for Mabel and Charles Ennis and was used as Harrison Ford's apartment in Blade Runner and a few other films. It was recently restored but remains a private home.
Looks like something you would see in a Sci Fi movie
I always thought the Johnson Wax Administration Building that Mr Wright designed & supervised in construction would make a good setting for a Sci Fi film, or even a close luxury laboratory for a Bond Villain.
Seems like many of Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings suffered from leaky roofs.
All the early "Modernist" Architects brought concrete, glass and steel into their designs. Most of their works leaked. Water is the bane of every architect. The Seagram's Building on Manhattan Island is one of the last Post Modern builds.
there is an Endangered Frank LLoyd Wright house in Oak Park , Chicago that could greatly benefit from your Attention Ken, if you have the Time. there is a concerted effort to save the "George Smith" House - one of Wright's early designs, when he was still finding his sea legs as it were. It may have been built while he still worked for Louis Sullivan, or may have been one of his infamous "moonlighting" houses , or perhaps after the break with Sullivan where he opened up his own independent Oak Park Practice. :p - regardless, it is way overpriced (which is the thing with FLW houses the past few years...) -but about to fall down. You can definitely tell it is a Wright Design, from that awkward era of his youth while he was still clinging to convention while about to fledge free on his own Unique Architectural Vision. I think that makes it even more important to restore and preserve, as well as it would be a heck of a lot of fun to be involved in that Process!
I saw the same pricing strategy on a FLW property in Phoenix about 3 years ago. The seller absolutely wanted a buyer who would keep the house in its' original condition. Therefore, they priced it very high so only someone who valued FLW's work would buy it. The land became so valuable due to the location, the seller feared it would be torn down.
Frank HAD to moonlight. He had Duesenberg tastes on a Model T income.
Had the good fortune to shoot my short film on the grounds and inside the Theater
Wow It is very art deco
back in dem good ol days when architects produced hand drawn renderings
It's a cross between Rennie Mackintosh and the egyptians... I like it...
I can’t believe no one has mentioned that this house was used as a set in Blade Runner.
Was that this house or the Ennis House?
We visited the house when I lived in SoCal during the last 1990s. It was open to the public and fairly busy during the summer months. Our docent told us of several movies that had been filmed at the house and some of the damage film makers had inflicted over the years, including throwing a grappling hook over one of the parapets. It makes me cringe thinking about it. Needless to say, that was repaired in the restoration and is no longer visible. The house is a breath of fresh air, an isolated respite from an otherwise ugly city.
"Ugly city" is something I realize is way too common in many of the urban areas of the US. Nick Johnson's (@NickJohnson) YT vids that profile the increasingly dysfunctional quality of many cities in the US have made me more aware of that. Another UA-camr (@Cash Jordan) features apts for rent in NYC. Originally, I didn't realize just how unattractive & charmless that city is too. Unlike towns in Europe, which have taken centuries to build, grow & thrive, American communities reflect a bit of First World mixed with Emerging World. As for LA, if it didn't have a Mediterranean-type climate, it would follow the same pathway of a city in the Midwest or East.
@@gridley L.A.'s a beautiful city that quickly grows on you, if you give her a chance.
The exterior is a play on many Egyptian designs. It's full of the esoteric. Very much inspired by the pyramid. Also Mayan features...along with some classic looks from the Roman Colosseum. But this is largely Egyptian inspired. Djal, pyramids, and hut like structures on top of Mayan and North American like pyramids..both natural and stone.
Water seepage is a frequent issue with FLW homes......
I think I've seen that house before...was it in Westworld? I think it was the finale of Season 2...
Seems like instead of maintaining always,could’ve just restructured the problem areas, and she could’ve enjoyed it there longer w/ out having the theater arts interrupted. A beautiful place,almost well thought out ✅👌? 😁
⭐
I’ve always imagined this is the risk with very expensive custom builds - what happens if is it too impractical to live in or that unique dining chair breaks?
Furniture design was a huge issue with Lautner's Bob Hope House.
Was this the house they used in alfred Hitchcock house on haunted hill???
So many FLW houses are flawed in real world engineering terms, here it's wow didn't expect flat roofs to give trouble and oh the outside/inside water leaks. Falling water and the over stressed balconys. Still his buildings are wonderful, as are the interiors he was allowed to indulge himself on.
That might be the conventional wisdom, cooked up by envious colleagues or competitors over the years, Alan. The truth is that most of the homes Frank designed are still standing, still structurally sound and have been lived in constantly for the past 100 years. Mr Wright rarely went in for the lead-edge designs that only a wealthy client could afford, but they tend to be the most famous structures.