Lawrence Technological University Receives Frank Lloyd Wright Monographs
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Lawrence Technological University is the new home of 12 rare monographs by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The monographs were part of the estate of Detroit-area engineer and architect Clifford Holforty, who died in July. His family decided to donate his extensive collection of architecture books to Michigan schools and libraries in his memory, according to the university.
While cataloging and supervising the documentation and distribution of the books, Holferty's son-in-law, Grand Rapids architect Ralph W. Moxley discovered a set of rare Frank Lloyd Wright monographs.
The 12 volumes were protected by individual cardboard boxes, and many appeared to have never been opened.
"After researching the monographs on the Internet, we found they were quite rare and very valuable!" Moxley said in a release. "After some discussion, we determined that the 12 volumes should be donated to a Michigan architecture school for the students to utilize and study."
Alumnus and adjunct professor Ben Tiseo, BSAr'78, suggested to Moxley that the monographs - which were published in Japan and include some text in Japanese - be donated to LTU because the University owns the Affleck House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Bloomfield Hills.
According to the university, Volumes 1-8 cover periods of Wright's work, starting with 1887-1901 and ending with 1951-59.Volumes 9-12 are preliminary studies from three time periods, and volume 12 contains renderings from throughout his career.
The monographs have a local link, with nearly eight pages in Volume 6 dedicated to the Affleck House with sketches and other drawings of the structure.
"We had not seen these before," said Tiseo, a member of the alumni restoration council overseeing ongoing restoration projects at the Affleck House, in a release. "This will be very helpful to the committee so as to guide our work in keeping with the intent of the Frank Lloyd Wright design."
The monographs will be housed at the LTU Library on the lower level of the Buell Management Building. They will be available for viewing, but cannot be checked out.
"What impressed me the most about the set is not just the breadth and depth of the projects covering FLW work, but also the progress sketches and details including its color reproductions," Tiseo said ina release. "This gift is truly a gem for LTU."