Ep 1. Frank Lloyd Wright Pt. 1

Frank Lloyd Wright Pt. 1 is the inaugural episode of the show Frank Lloyd Wright. This episode provides an overview and introduction to one of America's most influential architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.

The episode begins by highlighting some of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous works, including Fallingwater, Taliesin, and the Guggenheim Museum, among many others. Viewers are given an idea of the magnitude of Wright's impact on American architecture and design during the early to mid-20th century.

The show then delves deeper into Wright's upbringing and personal life. Born in 1867 in Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright was raised in a large family of seven children. Wright's mother was a devout Unitarian and instilled in him a love for nature and appreciation for art. His father, however, was an unsuccessful preacher who often left the family for extended periods of time.

Despite earning poor grades in school, Wright pursued his passion for architecture and eventually landed an apprenticeship with architect Louis Sullivan. Together, they created some of the most revolutionary designs in early 20th-century architecture. Wright's signature "prairie-style" buildings were distinct for their lack of ornamentation, focus on horizontal lines, and integration with nature.

As Wright's success grew, so did his personal life. He married his first wife, Catherine Tobin, in 1889, and together they had six children. However, Wright's personal life was marred by scandal when he fell in love with Mamah Borthwick Cheney, the wife of one of his clients. Wright subsequently left his wife and children to live with Cheney in Europe. Tragically, their love affair was cut short when Cheney and her children were brutally murdered by a former employee of Wright's at their home, Taliesin.

Despite this tragedy, Wright continued to innovate and create new designs. The episode ends by introducing viewers to the Darwin D. Martin House Complex in Buffalo, New York. One of Wright's largest commissions, the complex features six interconnected buildings with more than 400 windows and more than 90 pieces of art glass. It highlights Wright's unique ability to blend architecture, art, and nature into a cohesive and stunningly beautiful whole.

Overall, Frank Lloyd Wright Pt. 1 is a fascinating and informative look at the life and legacy of one of America's most beloved architects. From his early struggles to his triumphs and tragedies, viewers are given a glimpse into the complex and multifaceted life of a true creative genius.