Wright Before the "Lloyd": Frank Lloyd Wright's Search for Himself

Frank Lloyd Wright was not always the brash self-confident symbol of architectural creativity who is remembered today. Arriving in Chicago in 1886, the 19-year-old aspiring architect began a search for his own identity- an exploration into architectural approach and personal self. The exhibit covers Wright’s early life from his childhood in Wisconsin and apprenticeship with architects Joseph Lyman Silsbee and, later, Adler & Sullivan to his early career on his own.

The exhibit contains architectural elements, including terra cotta treatments, screens, a window, brickwork and hardware that were salvaged from a number of Wright- (and Sullivan-) designed buildings. This collection of rarely-exhibited items comes from a private collection. Wright’s early professional development occurred in conjunction with architect and mentor Cecil Sherman Corwin, whom he met on arriving at Silsbee’s office. The exhibit also explores Corwin’s influence on Wright’s work.