Frank Lloyd Wright

Donald Lovness House, Stillwater, MN
Domino's Center for Architecture and Design, Ann Arbor, MI
Christie's New York, Important Works by Frank Lloyd Wright and his Contemporaries from the Domino's Center for Architecture and Design, June 12, 1993, lot 131
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Maria Constantino, The Life and Works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Philadelphia, 1998, p. 162 (for interior and exterior views of the Lovness House)
William Allin Storrer, The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion, Chicago, 1993, p. 416 (for a discussion of the Lovness House)
Thomas A. Heinz, Frank Lloyd Wright:  Interiors and Furniture, New York, 1994, p. 221 (for designs by Wright for the interior of the Lovness House)

Overall in very good original condition. The gates appear to retain their original Cherokee red paint which Frank Lloyd used in a number of commissions during this time period. The painted surfaces with a few chips, rubbing and minor losses consistent with age and gentle use. The loops at the overlap of the two gates with concentrated losses to the paint likely the result of the expected contact when the gates are closed. The gates with scattered surface dirt and residue throughout, and with some minor dullness to the painted surface toward the bottom portion of the gates consistent with age and use. The lower rails of the gates with some evidence of minor bending commensurate with use. The gates are presently mounted on either side to later plaster columns. For the purposes of the exhibition, these columns were painted white and one side facing the wall retains the original beige paint treatment. These columns with minor edge losses and edge irregularities. When viewed in person, these gates impart a strong sense of the linear design ideology that dominated Wright’s designs of this period. The gates have a commanding sculptural presence that is heightened by their brilliant red hue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Donald Lovness house is rare among Wright’s 1950s designed Usonian homes as it was built to the architect’s specifications by the owners.  The present gate were produced by Victoria Welding company in neighboring Victoria, Minnesota and are closely related to gates designed by Wright for Taliesin West.