News Release: The Art of Frank Lloyd Wright and His Automobiles

AUBURN May 12, 2009: Frank Lloyd Wright is generally regarded as one of the world's great architects. His impact goes beyond the architectural world. By creating designs for furniture, textiles, flatware and more, he surrounded us with unique objects of beauty, making our lives richer and more meaningful. All of his designs served the bigger idea which was creating a new uniquely American architecture and ultimately a healthier democratic society. Throughout his 72-year career, Wright pushed the limits of contemporary technology and challenged his clients to think "out of the box."

The images presented in this exhibit for the first time in Northern Indiana, are reproductions of original drawings, now part of the Frank Lloyd Wright archives in Taliesin, Arizona. According to Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, director of the Archives, the very fragile nature of these documents, rendered mostly with graphite and colored pencils on tracing paper, places them in extreme jeopardy if exhibited or referred to too often. Thus, these reproductions, published in limited edition in three portfolios between 1977 and 1982, give us a rare opportunity to get a better sense of the complexity of Wright's work.

The drawings are outstanding pieces of art and stand alone as a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright's genius.

This exhibit is a collaborative project between the West Lafayette Public Library and the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust, Inc. The exhibit was created by John E. Christian, curator, and Linda Eales, associate curator of the John E. Christian House (SAMARA) in West Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Christian is an original client and owner of SAMARA a Usonian home designed by Wright in 1954 (S-375). After 55 years he continues to live in the home and manages the day-to-day operation of the property. The home has been open to the public for lectures, tours, demonstrations and discussions since 1988.

In addition to the 50 drawings in this exhibit, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum exhibits two of Frank Lloyd Wright's personal automobiles from its permanent collection. A 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet that Wright purchased in the 1950s is featured. In addition a 1952 Crosley Super Roadster that Wright purchased new will also be presented during this special exhibit.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum - where the world's finest cars of yesterday live today! Over 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars are displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s national headquarters of the legendary Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. year round. In 2009, plan a visit and bring your family to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a place where automotive history comes to life! automobilemuseum.org

This exhibit is produced in cooperation with the DeKalb County Visitors Bureau office.

For more information about this exhibition or group discounts please contact the museum at (260) 925-1444 ext. 29