June 8, 9, & 10, 2022 Fine & Decorative Arts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/8/2022
This is an absolutely incredible, unpublished, and fresh to market photograph of Frank Lloyd Wright, Marion Mahony, and many other prominent architects, from 1901. The photograph was taken by Gibson Art Galleries, and is believed to be from the 14th Annual Chicago Architects Convention, in which Wright gave his famous speech regarding the automation of machine made furniture, and his belief that this disruptive technology was here to stay. Our research indicates that this appears to be the only known photograph in which Frank Lloyd Wright appears with Marion Mahony, which is all the more amazing when one considers the central role Mahony played in Wright's success and fame. Frank Lloyd Wright is pictured dead center in the photograph, as one would expect, and he is surrounded by many of his world famous contemporaries, perhaps most notable and fascinating, is Marion Mahony (on far right, directly behind the man seated in chair). In the photo, she is seen wearing a men's suit, with her hair pulled back. In 1901, the inclusion of a woman in such a prestigious group was unheard of, and speaks to the respect they had for her design abilities. Aside from Wright and Mahony, other members of the group believed to be pictured in this important photograph, include Charles Ashbee, Dwight Perkins, George Elmslie, Charles Limbert, Charles Coolidge, Walter Griffin, and many more (please contact auction house for a “seating chart” of the photograph). The photograph measures 16 - 1/4” by 10 - 3/4”. In the lower left is written “Gibson Art Galleries, Chicago 1901”. The photograph is in very good condition. The image is crisp, free of fading, and with sharp edges, though there are some rough edges on the backing that the photo is mounted to. There is a small tear in the paper on the bottom edge towards the left side. This incredible and historically significant photograph has never been published, or previously offered for sale. It comes from the same collection as the Marion Mahony stained glass window, which broke records in our June 2021 auction.
Condition: (Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 11 - 1/8" x 16 - 3/4".