Frank Lloyd Wright was born in 1867 in Wisconsin and showed an early interest in architecture. He dropped out of high school and began working for architect Allen Conover. Wright later studied at the University of Wisconsin and then moved to Chicago in 1887 to become an architect. He joined the firm of Joseph Lyman Silsbee and later Adler and Sullivan, rising to head draftsman. Wright was influenced by Japanese architecture after visiting Japan, being drawn to its simplicity and connection to nature. He started his own firm in 1893 and is known for pioneering the Prairie School style of architecture.

1. John C. Garn Hist 141 T & Th 0930-1100

2. The early years of Frank Lloyd Wright Born Frank Lincoln Wright June 8 th , 1867 Richland Center, Wisconsin Changed name to Frank Lloyd Wright after parents divorced Mother believed he would be an architect even before he was born Dropped out of high school in 1885 Worked for Alan Conover for 2 years Completed 2 semesters at University of Wisconsin in 1886 as a special student under Conover’s tutelage Left suddenly for Chicago in 1887 to become an architect

3. Training Chicago’s building boom Great Fire of 1871 destroyed most of the inner circle of Chicago The depression in 1873 retarded construction until the end of the decade Chicago was also in the middle of a population boom which made new development plentiful Wright joins the architectural firm of Joseph Lyman Silsbee as a draftsman Silsbee worked primarily Victorian and revivalist styles Wright worked there for about a year

4. Wright joins Adler and Sullivan as an apprentice Progressive vs. classical Sullivan believed that architecture should grow from observing elements native to the surrounding area Form follows function Wright is promoted to head draftsman Remained with Sullivan until 1893 Moonlighting caused him to split with Adler and Sullivan and begin his own firm The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one that makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built. -FLW

5. Wright was also heavily influenced by Japanese art Went to Japan with wife Kitty Studied Japanese architecture and design Felt that Japanese architecture eliminated all but the essential elements of any design Liked how the Japanese architecture was connected to nature Amassed a large collection of Japanese prints Traded in Japanese art until he died Frequently used his art collection as collateral for loans or to remain financially solvent