Frank Lloyd Wright Timeline
Frank Lloyd Wright by People
Frank Lloyd Wright was a renowned American architect, known for his innovative designs that harmonized with the environment. Born in 1867, he designed more than 1,000 structures, including the famous Fallingwater house and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Wright pioneered the Prairie School movement of architecture and developed the concept of the Usonian home, which was designed to be affordable for the average American. His unique approach to architecture has had a lasting impact on the field, making him one of the most influential architects in history.
June 8, 1867
Birth of Frank Lloyd Wright in Richland Center, Wisconsin
This renowned architect was born in a small town in Wisconsin. His mother, Anna Lloyd Jones, was a teacher, and his father, William Carey Wright, was a preacher and a musician. His early life in this rural setting would later influence his architectural style, which often emphasized harmony with nature.
Year 1885
Enrollment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two semesters
The renowned architect enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied civil engineering. His time at the university was brief, only lasting two semesters. Despite his short stint, it was instrumental in shaping his architectural career.
Year 1887
Moves to Chicago to work for architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee
The young architect relocated to the bustling city of Chicago to work under the guidance of Joseph Lyman Silsbee. This move marked a significant step in his career, as Silsbee was a well-known architect who specialized in a variety of styles. The experience gained here would later influence his own unique architectural style.
June 1, 1889
Marriage to Catherine Tobin and construction of first home in Oak Park, Illinois
The marriage to Catherine Tobin marked a significant milestone in the architect's personal life. The construction of their first home in Oak Park, Illinois, was a testament to his innovative design ideas. This house was not just a home, but also a laboratory where he experimented with design concepts that would later define his career.
Year 1893
Establishment of his own architectural firm in Chicago
The renowned architect opened his own firm in Chicago after leaving his job at Adler & Sullivan. This move marked the beginning of his independent career, where he developed his unique style. His firm was where he designed many of his famous "Prairie Houses".
Year 1901
Design and construction of the Ward W. Willits House, marking the beginning of the 'Prairie Style' era
The Ward W. Willits House, located in Highland Park, Illinois, is considered the first true example of Wright's iconic 'Prairie Style'. This architectural style is characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and integration with the landscape. The design of the house was a significant departure from traditional architecture and marked a new direction in residential design.
October 15, 1909
Abandonment of his family and architectural practice to run off to Europe with Mamah Borthwick
The renowned architect left behind six children and a successful career in Chicago. He and Mamah Borthwick, a client's wife, eloped to Europe, causing a scandal. This event marked a significant turning point in his personal life and career.
Year 1911
Start of construction on Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin, his home and studio
The construction of Taliesin marked a significant period in the architect's life as it was not only his residence but also his workspace. The design of the building was inspired by the natural landscape of Wisconsin, reflecting his philosophy of organic architecture. The project was completed in 1911, becoming a masterpiece that showcased his innovative design ideas.
August 15, 1914
Tragic murder of Mamah Borthwick and her children at Taliesin by a disgruntled employee
The disgruntled employee, Julian Carlton, set fire to the residential wing of Taliesin, Wright's Wisconsin home and studio. In the ensuing chaos, he attacked and killed Mamah Borthwick, her two children, and four others with an axe. This horrific event left a deep scar on Wright's life and career.
November 23, 1922
Divorce from Catherine Tobin and subsequent marriage to Miriam Noel
The renowned architect ended his marriage with Catherine Tobin, his first wife and mother of his six children. Shortly after, he married Miriam Noel, a sculptor. However, his second marriage was fraught with difficulties and ended in another divorce.
Year 1925
Fire destroys Taliesin, Wright rebuilds it as Taliesin II
The fire that destroyed Taliesin, located in Wisconsin, was a significant event in the life of the renowned architect. He decided to rebuild it, naming the new structure Taliesin II. This second version reflected his evolving architectural style and resilience in the face of adversity.
Year 1932
Establishment of the Taliesin Fellowship, an architectural school
The Taliesin Fellowship was a unique educational program that combined hands-on construction work with traditional architectural studies. The school, located in Wisconsin, was named after Wright's own home, Taliesin. It was a place where students could learn not just about architecture, but also about farming, cooking, and other practical skills.
April 12, 1935
Marriage to Olgivanna Milanoff
The renowned architect wed Olgivanna Milanoff, a Montenegrin dancer. This was his third marriage. The couple remained together until his death in 1959.
Year 1937
Construction of Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, one of his most famous designs
The construction of Fallingwater, a unique house that seems to float over a waterfall, was a significant event in architectural history. This masterpiece, located in rural Pennsylvania, showcases Wright's philosophy of organic architecture, which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. It remains a popular tourist attraction today.
April 9, 1959
Death of Frank Lloyd Wright in Phoenix, Arizona
This renowned architect passed away in Phoenix, Arizona. His death marked the end of an era in American architecture, as he was known for his innovative designs and unique style. His influence continues to be seen in modern architecture today.
Frank Lloyd Wright was a renowned American architect, known for his innovative designs that harmonized with the environment. Born in 1867, he designed more than 1,000 structures, including the famous Fallingwater house and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Wright pioneered the Prairie School movement of architecture and developed the concept of the Usonian home, which was designed to be affordable for the average American. His unique approach to architecture has had a lasting impact on the field, making him one of the most influential architects in history.
This renowned architect was born in a small town in Wisconsin. His mother, Anna Lloyd Jones, was a teacher, and his father, William Carey Wright, was a preacher and a musician. His early life in this rural setting would later influence his architectural style, which often emphasized harmony with nature.
The renowned architect enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied civil engineering. His time at the university was brief, only lasting two semesters. Despite his short stint, it was instrumental in shaping his architectural career.
The young architect relocated to the bustling city of Chicago to work under the guidance of Joseph Lyman Silsbee. This move marked a significant step in his career, as Silsbee was a well-known architect who specialized in a variety of styles. The experience gained here would later influence his own unique architectural style.
The marriage to Catherine Tobin marked a significant milestone in the architect's personal life. The construction of their first home in Oak Park, Illinois, was a testament to his innovative design ideas. This house was not just a home, but also a laboratory where he experimented with design concepts that would later define his career.
The renowned architect opened his own firm in Chicago after leaving his job at Adler & Sullivan. This move marked the beginning of his independent career, where he developed his unique style. His firm was where he designed many of his famous "Prairie Houses".
The Ward W. Willits House, located in Highland Park, Illinois, is considered the first true example of Wright's iconic 'Prairie Style'. This architectural style is characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and integration with the landscape. The design of the house was a significant departure from traditional architecture and marked a new direction in residential design.
The renowned architect left behind six children and a successful career in Chicago. He and Mamah Borthwick, a client's wife, eloped to Europe, causing a scandal. This event marked a significant turning point in his personal life and career.
The construction of Taliesin marked a significant period in the architect's life as it was not only his residence but also his workspace. The design of the building was inspired by the natural landscape of Wisconsin, reflecting his philosophy of organic architecture. The project was completed in 1911, becoming a masterpiece that showcased his innovative design ideas.
The disgruntled employee, Julian Carlton, set fire to the residential wing of Taliesin, Wright's Wisconsin home and studio. In the ensuing chaos, he attacked and killed Mamah Borthwick, her two children, and four others with an axe. This horrific event left a deep scar on Wright's life and career.
The renowned architect ended his marriage with Catherine Tobin, his first wife and mother of his six children. Shortly after, he married Miriam Noel, a sculptor. However, his second marriage was fraught with difficulties and ended in another divorce.
The fire that destroyed Taliesin, located in Wisconsin, was a significant event in the life of the renowned architect. He decided to rebuild it, naming the new structure Taliesin II. This second version reflected his evolving architectural style and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Taliesin Fellowship was a unique educational program that combined hands-on construction work with traditional architectural studies. The school, located in Wisconsin, was named after Wright's own home, Taliesin. It was a place where students could learn not just about architecture, but also about farming, cooking, and other practical skills.
The renowned architect wed Olgivanna Milanoff, a Montenegrin dancer. This was his third marriage. The couple remained together until his death in 1959.
The construction of Fallingwater, a unique house that seems to float over a waterfall, was a significant event in architectural history. This masterpiece, located in rural Pennsylvania, showcases Wright's philosophy of organic architecture, which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. It remains a popular tourist attraction today.
This renowned architect passed away in Phoenix, Arizona. His death marked the end of an era in American architecture, as he was known for his innovative designs and unique style. His influence continues to be seen in modern architecture today.