We’re excited to introduce three new fixtures to our Arts & Crafts family: the Bauer, Independence, and Philidelphia. After discovering them in a 1907 Bauer Gas Fixture Works catalogue, we set about reproducing them, intent on preserving their unusual “transitional” nature.
The turn of the 20th century was a time of change for decorative arts. The Bauer fixture family encompasses the transition from Late Victorian to Arts & Crafts, by way of Art Nouveau. With their whip-shaped arms and slender cone shades, the fixtures have the more fluid and organic feel of Art Nouveau. As a result, they offer a nice stylistic alternative to traditional angular Arts & Crafts fixtures.
When we photographed these lights for our latest catalogue, we hung them in a 1906 Prairie Style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright near Chicago. Homeowners Juan and Claire Montenegro lovingly restored this house for nearly 20 years, even winning awards for their sensitive approach to making improvements. So when they proclaimed our fixtures “fit right in,” we were thrilled. (Side note: the lights were about the only thing that did fit! Wright’s homes often have low ceilings and small door openings. Unfortunately, that meant we had to hoist all the furniture for the photo shoot up the outside of the house and over the veranda railing.)
Now, would Frank Lloyd Wright approve of putting our fixtures in the Montenegros’ home, given that he didn’t design them? To be frank (pun intended), we’re not sure. We like to think that he’d appreciate the lights’ organic and slightly rustic quality, and how they quietly harmonize with their surroundings.
Though we’ll never know Wright’s opinion of our lights, our conjectures beg the broader question: Is it okay to take a more interpretive approach to restoration, even in something as revered as a Frank Lloyd Wright structure? Or is it best to honor the integrity of the architecture and stick to exact reproductions?
We won’t pretend to have the answer, but we’d love to hear yours. What do you think? Is it acceptable or anathema to take liberties when renovating a historically significant home?
I think using him for inspiration is the best. Puts a slightly updated spin on something classic and beautiful. Rejuvenation does things so exquisitely that the inspired pieces always turn out to be equally as beautiful.
We lived in a home that was designed by Wright, Wilson and Young. It was quite an unusual house with unique touches. The most interesting thing about the home was the massive gas light converted brass chandelier and wall sconces wich still have very early flicker bulbs. It is over 15ft long with 10 double lights. The home in a sense was built around the fixtures. They were purchased from a brothel in Ohio that was being closed in the late 20’s. Apparently there was a soft spot for this place so the fixtures made their way to a new home.The debate over the years was who cherished these fixtures?
I feel it is totally up to the home owner and what end result they wish to achieve. If you are going for correct historical value than no you should not take the liberty to change–but if you are living in the house I say go with what feels right to you. Now was that clear as mud??? LOL
I grew up in a home designed by Mr. Wright and completed by his East Coast representative (Morton Delson)… I never knew Mr. Wright, but I do believe that if Mr. Wright built and designed homes to be lived in, he would be most understanding that these homes are continued to be lived in, rather than raised to build soulless architecture.
If a piece of lighting harmonizes with the built and natural environment, then the ghost of Mr. Wright would be pleased.
Your post made me smile and gave me pause. My husband and I have spent the last fourteen years, little by little, restoring our 1926 bungalow. Our goal has always been to bring our home back to what it looked like in the ’20s. When older homes in our neighborhood have gone up for sale, we always attend the open houses, not because we’re interested in buying, but because we’re looking for clues, any clues that will provide insight to the choices and materials homeowners and craftsmen in our area would have made when the home was built.
Needless to say, we were ecstatic to discover Rejuvenation, and have been grateful devotees ever since. There are just some things that are just impossible to find in good condition at architectural salvage shops. Nonetheless, every Rejuvenation purchase has come with much consideration and debate – Is it correct for our size home? Does it lend authenticity? Should we torture ourselves a little more trying to find THE right fixture at the salvage shop? Would they have used this color or that? Your post reveals one of the many things that I love about Rejuvenation – you’re sensitivity to these concerns. Many a contractor has looked at us with frustration and confusion when we adamantly refused to consider Pergo, or some period incorrect “solution.” Not only does Rejuvenation respect our renovation goals, you understand the weight of each decision, and offer an empathetic hand of support.
Thank you!!
Wow! It’s so exciting to hear from people that have a connection to Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as their own homes. Thanks for sharing your wonderful anecdotes. We love hearing from people. It inspires our work.
Wright was known to remodel his own buildings, I think, and one of his earliest houses (the Susan Lawrence Dana house in Springfield, IL) was actually built over and incorporated parts of an earlier conventional house, if I’m not mistaken. Given that he remodeled the works of others and himself as well, he could hardly object to the inclusion of modern fixtures designed to harmonize with his designs,could he?
There are still unbuilt Wright designs in the archives of his work at Taliesin West; I hope that if any of them are ever built in the future, they incorporate fixtures and accessories by Rejuvenation, as they are the best in the business.
Jim Rosenthal, Annapolis, MD
PS You need an East Coast showroom, btw.