I opted to go for the insights tour, but the ankle was not too happy and I did not get to finish it completely. Made it out for the first tour at 9am and while the tour lasts 90 minutes, I did not last that long. But, the newly restored living quarters and the dramatic Taliesin West living room (called the “Garden Room” by Wright) are the highlights of this tour. The living room was the social gathering place for Wright and the many famous guests he entertained. It is entered through a typically Wrightian low-ceiling, stone-wall space which opens to a 56-feet long by 34-feet wide room linked to the garden and bedroom wing by expansive windows. We actually got to sit in Wright-designed furniture and experience firsthand the drama of being a guest in Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home.It was an experience firsthand of Wright’s brilliant ability to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. While the tour included the Cabaret Theater, Music Pavilion, Kiva and Frank Lloyd Wright’s private office—all linked by dramatic terraces, gardens and walkways overlooking the rugged Sonoran Desert and valley below, I opted out of several and the staff was so helpful in loaning me a walking stick and I was able to see some of the major highlights without holding up the group. Knowledgeable and experienced guides explained how the site relates to the desert and provided a general overview of Wright’s philosophies and theories of design, the history of the site and the activities of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s key educational programs and its residential community, which includes the Taliesin Fellowship.
OK enough outside time, I think I will be indoors for the rest of the day! A shower is so needed now. And so it goes here in Phoenix. Oh yes, it "cooled" off a bit as we will only be in the low 80's today.
No comments:
Post a Comment