Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank L. Smith Bank, Dwight, Illinois (1905) (S.111)

BROCHURES PHOTOGRAPHS REPORT

BROCHURES

Date: 1996

Title: The First National Bank of Dwight, Dwight, Illinois.

Description: Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect. (Published by The First National Bank of Dwight, Dwight, Illinois) Inside: In The First National Bank of Dwight, Wright created a structure that has stood the test of time and remains virtually unchanged. Initially designed to house two separate businesses, it was remodeled in the 1950's to keep abreast with modern banking conditions and the growth of the institution. The major change was the lowering of the beamed skylight ceiling in order to install air conditioning. The oak trim was removed and much of the interior limestone was covered.
In the 1960's, the bank was remodeled again to restore the buildings original character. The dividing partition was removed to allow the bank to occupy the entire space. The original plans were used to replace the oak trim and to recreate the skylight, which is now lit through electrical means. Wright believed there was a natural and honest truth in a building's materials, the exposed brickwork, the natural strength of oak and even the exposed pillars revealing the building's structure. As a molder of form and space, Wright experienced the relationship between architecture and surrounding nature as perhaps no other architect in history, so that his buildings seem to literally grow out of their environments.

Size: 11 x 8.5

Pages: Pp 6

ST#: 1996.61.0209

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PHOTOGRAPHS

	Date: 1989 Title: Frank L. Smith Bank Chairs, Dwight, IL (1905 - S.111). Description: Two barrel chairs designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Frank L. Smith Bank in 1905. The chairs were manufactured by the John W. Ayers, Co., Chicago. Caption pasted on verso: "Frank Lloyd Wright designed barrel chair, from 1906." Stamped on caption "Jan 15 ‘89". Second caption pasted on verso: "Barrel Chairs designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for a Dwight, Ill., bank in 1906 ($18,000 each), at Struve Gallery, 309 W. Superior St." Stamped on caption "Sep 17 ‘89". Stamped on verso: "Jan 18, 1989". Photographed by Struve Gallery. Acquired from the archived of the Chicago Tribune. See other examples of Wright designed furniture for the Frank L. Smith Bank. Size: Original 10 x 8 B&W Print. ST#: 1989.74.0811

REPORT

	Date: 1996 Title: First National Bank of Dwight Collection 1905-1920 (Published by the Ryerson & Burnham Archives, Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago) Author: Ryerson & Burnham Archives Description: The collection was given to the Burnham Library in 1969 by the First National Bank of Dwight, Illinois. The collection contains approximately four hundred items. Size: 8.5 x 11 Pages: Pp 9 ST#: 1996.60.0309