JOHNSON WAX BUILDING (1936, 1944, 1951) S.237-238 AND HERBERT JOHNSON RESIDENCE (WINGSPREAD) (1937) S.239 ARTIFACTS BOOKS BROCHURES LIGHTER PHOTOS POSTCARDS POSTERS PRINTS
Designed in 1936, the building was completed on April 22, 1939. The Research Tower was designed in 1944, construction began in 1947 and the opening ceremony was held on November 17, 1950.
ARTIFACTS
- Original Bricks: S.C. Johnson Administration Building (Curved)
2007 Restoration to the Administration Building
BOOKS
The Johnson Foundation and its Wingspread (1964)
- This is Johnson Wax (1978)
- Wingspread - the Building (1981)
- Wingspread - the Setting (1981)
- Johnson Wax Magazine (1986)
BROCHURES
- Johnson’s Wax Tower Lighter 1947
S.C. Johnson Building Model. (1936)
East and South wings of Wingspread, Circa 2000
- “The Great Workroom” Descriptive Pamphlet
YEAR DESCRIPTION ST# 1936 S.C. Johnson Building Model. 1936. Designed in 1936, the building was completed on April 22, 1939. The Research Tower was designed in 1944 and construction began in 1947. Caption on back: "Now in Wisconsin. For years Frank Lloyd Wright designed unique buildings in many parts of the world. He planned this factory of the Johnson & Co., Racine. It combines straight and curved lines, built without ornamentation, yet with a trim beauty of its own." Additional images of model in "Frank Lloyd Wright and The Johnson Wax Building" Lipman, page 36. "At the end of August Wright guided three of his apprentices Blaine and Hulda Drake, and Eugene Masselink, in the construction of a large, detailed model of the Administration Building that could be separated into two halves, allowing one to peer into a miniature Great Workroom." Construction of the model lead Wright to make changes to the design. Page 37. Paul’s Photos. 3702 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago 13, Illinois. "GF-901". Original silver gelatin photo. 10 x 5.8. 0404.22.0109 1936 
Original Bricks from the S.C. Johnson & Sons Administration Building (1936) (S.237). Five straight and two curved. More than 200 sizes and shapes of bricks were used to form the angles and curves designed by Wright. For the color he specified Cherokee Red. The brick was trimmed with a lighter colored Kasota stone. The mortar in the horizontal joints was raked. The Great Workroom covers nearly one-half acre. Johnson chose a friend Ben Wiltscheck to build the new building (Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building, Lipman 1986, p32.4). After Johnson and Wiltscheck rejected the brick factory in Racine, Wright selected the Streator Brick Company in Streator, Illinois (p38.1). In 1947 construction began on the 14-floor Research Tower. In 1947 construction began on the 14-floor Research Tower. In 2007 restoration to the Administration Building was initiated and these were carefully salvaged and cleaned. 9 x 3. 0404.13.0907 0404.14.0907 0404.15.0907 0404.16.0907 0404.17.0907 0404.18.0907 0404.19.0907 1938 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (Published by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.). "An authentic original in the world’s modern architecture. The new headquarters office of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Makers of Johnson’s Wax, Racine, Wis. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright." 5.5 x 3.25. 0460.02.0305 1939 S.C. Johnson Headquarters “Great Workroom”. Ken Burns considered the Johnson Wax Headquarters “the greatest room in the United States today”. Herbert Johnson addresses the employees in the Great Workroom during the 1939 profit-sharing meeting. To his left is the company choir and to his right is the company band. Original silver gelatin photo. Published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman 1986, page 118-119. Photographer unknown. 14 x 11. 0501.10.0107 1939 S.C. Johnson Headquarters “Private Penthouse Office”. The desk engages the built-in cabinet. Photographer unknown. Original 8 x 10 silver gelatin photo. “Photographic Department Neg. #3871 S. C. Johnson & Son Inc. Racine, Wisconsin.” Published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman 1986, page 115. 0501.11.0107 1939 S.C. Johnson Headquarters. “Detail of The Great Workroom”. Note double-wing tub desks. Original silver gelatin photo. Photographer unknown #90018-F. S. C. Johnson & Son Inc. Racine, Wisconsin. Similar image published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman, 1986 page 107. 0501.14.0907 1939 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. “1975 - The Offices of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Racine Wisconsin.” #9A-H1645. Back: “C.T. Art-Colortone”. 5.5 x 3.5. PM 11/30/40. 0501.12.0207 1947 Johnson’s Wax Tower Lighter. In 1999 I contacted the SC Johnson Archive Department. According to their records, these were produced in 1947, and some were given away at that time as Christmas gifts. One was sent to Frank Lloyd Wright which lead the archivist to believe that he had nothing to do with the lighter project or he would probably have gotten an advanced copy (that was the practice). In 1948, more were given out as Christmas gifts. When the Tower was dedicated on 11/17/50, Mr. Wright was in attendance. 250 were invited. 200 accepted, and each were given a lighter as a memento. 1947.00.0499 1950 S.C. Johnson Research Tower, 1950. Round Mezzanines are visible through the glass tubing. The Research Tower was designed in 1944, construction began in 1947 and the opening ceremony was held on November 17, 1950. Published in "A Testament" Wright,1957, page 172-173. "Frank Lloyd Wright, His Life, His Work, His Words" Wright, 1966, page 133. “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman, 1986, page 158 (dates image at 1950). Original silver gelatin photo. 8 x 10. 0831.19.1109 1950 “The Offices of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Racine Wisconsin.” #OC-H2098. Back: “The unique 15 story Research and Development Tower, with adjoining buildings, completes the group of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for S.C. Johnson & Son.” Service Paper Co., Racine, Wis. Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. Art-Colortone” 5.5 x 3.5. 0831.15.0407 1952 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (2C-H1403) (Published in 1952 by Curt Teich, Chicago) “The Administration and Research Center of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. in Racine, Wisconsin - designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.” Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. Art-Colortone” In 1931 a new printing process was developed, and this style added another letter after the decade letter. An ‘H’ was added if the card was printed using the ‘Art Colortone Method’ also called linen cards. 5.5 x 3.5. 0910.07.1106 1958 "Johnson’s Wax Administration & Research Center, Racine, Wisconsin. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright." (Published in 1954 by Curt Teich. Curteichcolor #D-12119. 8.5 x 5.5. 1259.10.0506 1961 Wingspread: Dedication Ceremony. June 24, 1961 (Published by The Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin) The Johnson Foundation A pamphlet for the dedication of Wingspread. The home was designed by Wright in 1938 for Mr. And Mrs. H. F. Johnson. In 1960, through a gift of the Johnson’s, it become the headquarters of The Johnson Foundation. 7.3 x 9.75. (First Edition) Pp 8 1464.03.0307 1961 The Johnson Foundation: Wingspread, Racine, Wisconsin (Published by The Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin) Peters, Gerald; O’Brien, James E.; Kincaid, Dorothy A pamphlet that includes reprints of four articles about Wingspread. Dates include: November 27, 1960; March 12, 1961; March 22, 1961; April 24, 1961. 8.5 x 11. (First Edition) Pp 10 1464.04.0307 1964 The Johnson Foundation and its Wingspread (Published by The Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin) Oliver, William "In the village of Wind Point, which touches the northeast corner of Racine, there stands a lighthouse on the sore of Lake Michigan. A short distance away is a building called Wingspread - it too is a lighthouse of sorts, casting a beam of light which penetrates the darkness of ignorance shrouding a true understanding of man and the universe in which he lives." Reprinted from the Autumn 1964 Issue of Wisconsin Tales and Trails. Includes ten photographs and two illustrations. 9 x 12. (First Edition) Pp 8 1596.15.1109 1977 Johnson Wax Flyer announcing “Meeting & Tour of the Johnson Wax Corporate Headquarters: Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect.” Includes tour and dinner. 8.5 x 11. Pp 2. 2023.05.0406 1978 This is Johnson Wax (Soft Cover) S.C. Johnson & Son Descriptive six page booklet describing the S.C. Johnson and Son facility. (First Edition) Pp 6 1978.15.0604 1981 Wingspread - the Building (Stiff Soft Cover) (Publsihed by the Johnson Foundation)
Kinch, Richard; Johnson Foundation Original SC List Price $5.00. (First Edition) Pp 32 1981.06.0603 1981 Innovative Furniture in America (Published by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Washington D.C.) Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service Exhibition Poster: Organized and Circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, March 1981 - April 1983. David A. Hanks, Exhibition Curator. Secretary’s armchair for the S.C. Johnson Administration Building. Painted steel, walnut arms, upholstered seat and back. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1936. Manufactured by Steelcase, Inc. (First Edition) 23 x 33 1981.17.0907 1983 Wingspread - the Setting (Soft Cover) Johnson Foundation (First Edition) Pp 12 1983.08.0603 1986 Frank Lloyd Wright And The Johnson Wax Building (Soft Cover) (Published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., New York) Lipman, Jonathan Published on the occasion of an exhibition organized by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, and exhibited at eleven locations from April 26, 1986 - December 31, 1988. 8.25 x 10. Original HC List Price $35.00, SC List Price $20.00. (First Edition) Pp 192 1986.02.1299 1986 Johnson Wax Magazine (Hard Cover - DJ) Lindner, Joe W., Editor (First Edition) Pp 64 1986.05.0800 1986 Frank Lloyd Wright: “The Great Workroom” 1886 - S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Administration Building, Racine, Wisconsin - 1986 (Produced by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.) S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Created for the Centennial/ Preservation-Racine Tour Committee 1986. (First Edition) 31 x 21 1986.21.0307 1986 Frank Lloyd Wright: “The Great Workroom” S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., - Administration Building - Racine, Wisconsin (Produced by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.) S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Descriptive pamphlet accompanying poster. “To celebrate its 100th Anniversary... Created a limited edition lithographic print. Created especially for the Preservation Racine Tours of Homes.” 6.25 x 4.6. (First Edition) Pp 4 1986.22.0307 1986 Frank Lloyd Wright: Johnson Wax Building (Published by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University). Text by Thomas W. Leavitt. Exhibit Brochure: “Creating a Corporate Cathedral”. For the traveling exhibit (1986-1988). Includes five photos and illustrations. 5.25 x 11.5. Pp 8 1986.19.0406 1988 Tour of Historic Places: Frank Lloyd Wright & Associates (Published by Preservation-Racine, Inc., Racine, Wisconsin) Kalec, Don Includes information on S. C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower, Wingspread, The Golden Rondelle, and the Wright Apprentices. Includes 16 photographs and illustrations. Included when tickets were purchased for the tour. 5.5 x 8.5. (First Edition) Pp 64 1988.36.0507 1988 Administration Center, The World’s Most Modern Office Building. Johnson Wax, Racine Wisconsin. (Published by Johnson Wax) Johnson Wax Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Includes details about Wright and S. C. Johnson and Son Administration Building. Included when tickets were purchased for the tour. 8.5 x 11. (First Edition) Pp 5 1988.37.0507 1988 S.C. Johnson & Son Administration Building, set of four prints. Included with a tour of S.C. Johnson & Son in 1988, which cost $8.00/person was a set of four prints and tour book. Tour booklet included five sites: Wingspread, the Golden Rondelle, the Johnson Wax building, the Prairie School, and St. Patrick's Church. 1988 Print 1) Frank Lloyd Wright in the Administration Building, 1950. 8 x 10 lithograph print. Published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman 1986, Page Frontpiece. 1988.32.0307 1988 Print 2) The Great Workroom, Circa 1950. 8 x 10 lithograph print. 1988.33.0307 1988 Print 3) The Research Tower, Circa 1960. 8 x 10 lithograph print. 1988.34.0307 1988 Print 4) Aerial view of the Johnson Company, Circa 1980. 8 x 10 lithograph print. 1988.35.0307 2000 Wingspread Circa 2000. "Aerial view of Wingspread. Wingspread, completed in 1939, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built as a residence for H.F. Johnson, Wingspread is now an international educational conference center maintained by The Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. Thomas A. Heinz photograph." 5.9 x 4.1. 2000.55.1209 2000 Wingspread Circa 2000. "The central chimney features five fireplaces. Wingspread, completed in 1939, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built as a residence for H.F. Johnson, Wingspread is now an international educational conference center maintained by The Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. Thomas A. Heinz photograph." 5.9 x 4.1. 2000.56.1209 2000 Wingspread Circa 2000. "The east and south wings of Wingspread. Wingspread, completed in 1939, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built as a residence for H.F. Johnson, Wingspread is now an international educational conference center maintained by The Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. Thomas A. Heinz photograph." 5.9 x 4.1. 2000.57.1209 2003 Frank Lloyd Wright and The Johnson Wax Building (Soft Cover) (Published by Dover Publications, Inc., Mineola, New York) Lipman, Jonathan First published in 1986 by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. Published on the occasion of an exhibition organized by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, and exhibited at eleven locations from April 26, 1986 - December 31, 1988. 8.25 x 10.9. Original list price 19.95. Two copies. (First Dover Edition) Pp 197 2003.32.0907 2003.33.0907
