Lot 166

F.L. Wright TLS To Fellow Architect Re: Church, A Probable Wright Project

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F.L. Wright TLS To Fellow Architect Re: Church, A Probable Wright Project

Estimate: $300 - $400

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Frank Lloyd Wright
[Taliesen West, Scottsdale, AZ], March 13, 1952
F.L. Wright TLS To Fellow Architect Re: Church, A Probable Wright Project
TLS

A 1p typed letter signed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), as "Frank" above his printed signature as "Frank Lloyd Wright" at lower left. March 13, 1952. [Taliesen West, Wright's winter home and studio in Scottsdale, Arizona.] On watermarked laid lightweight paper with Wright's stylized red cartouche emblazoned near the leftmost fold. Hand-stamp date-docketed at upper right. Complete with a handful of original minor typographical errors/corrections. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles. The leftmost transmittal fold is a touch darkened. Else near fine. 11" x 8.5."

Frank Lloyd Wright wrote this letter to Arthur C. Holden (1890-1993), the New York architect and name partner of Holden, McLaughlin & Associates who had recently helped Wright with the construction of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 1949. The pair discussed an unnamed church whose design or construction Wright was presumably involved in.

Wright wrote in part:

"Dear Arthur: We have written to the people at the church asking them to mail you some photographs of the building. We have nothing down here -

Affection,

[signed] Frank

Frank Lloyd Wright

March 13, 1952."

The bulk of Wright's completed architectural work consists of residential or municipal buildings. In fact, Wright was involved in the design of just four places of worship which were ultimately constructed, two of which can be eliminated from this discussion as possible candidates because they were completed posthumously. Working under the assumption that Wright was discussing a completed church, and that it was located in another place rather than "down here" in Arizona, a good possible candidate is the Community Christian Church located in Kansas City, Missouri. Wright had been approached in Spring 1940 by the Disciples of Christ congregation to rebuild their house of worship in downtown Kansas City. Wright's design was memorable: the building had a rhomboid footprint, and its thick, oblong layers terminated in a front gallery of windows like at an airport terminal. The Wright-designed church was dedicated in April 1942.

Frank Lloyd Wright created over 1,000 architectural plans over his 70-year-long career, of which more than half were constructed. Wright's pioneering design approach incorporated function, aesthetics, and the environment, and fundamentally changed late 19th and early 20th C. architecture. In addition to architectural design, Wright wrote many books, served as a mentor, and also designed furniture and decorative arts.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 11" x 8.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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