Just a quick post here – Today I finally was able to get over to the Meyer May house. Downtown Grand Rapids, within the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood, lies a gem from Frank Lloyd Wright. Over the last several years I have gained an appreciation for different types of architecture and study everything I walk by. A few months ago I studied the Meyer May house online and have been trying to find the time to get over there for quite some time.
The home was commissioned by a Grand Rapids clothier and completed in 1909. Through several decades and several owners, many modifications took place. In 1985, Steelcase purchased the property and began the most extensive rehab project ever completed on a Wright home. To this day it is the most extensive restoration process ever completed on a Wright home. They were able to find original elements or reproduce accurately to make the home exactly as it was in 1915 – one of the only years the entire original May family lived in the home.
The wife and I went – it’s a free, quick “museum” that starts with a 30 minute video about the restoration and a tour provided by a docent. The weather was beautiful and it was so bright out – therefore the home’s 116 finely detailed windows were working as Wright originally intended them too. The home features FL Wrights “Prairie Style” which is about horizontal lines incorporated with nature. I did not bring my camera as I did not know what to expect as far as regulations go, and I thing cameras in museums are tacky anyway. I’ve been studying architectural photography for a little time here and I’m in the market to purchase a super wide angle lens pretty soon. I may have to see what I can accomplish and get myself in that home again, without tourists or patrons, and take my time proper like with my gear.
I learned a lot today. I immediately came home and began research on new ideas for things I would like to try and learn more about. I feel this is going to be just the first in a series of posts that feature Frank Lloyd Wright. His works are amazing and timeless. As I have recently come to realize that I am a fan of mid-century modern type elements, this turn of the century home could be right up in there. Wright’s works were an inspiration that helped inspire the Modernism movement. I am a fan, and I am inspired.
Pypeline.