Behind the Scenes of Frank Lloyd Wright: Modern Chair Design

Lecture by Eric Vogel, President of Docomomo Wisconsin
Thursday, December 4 • 6:00 PM CDT

Join Docomomo Wisconsin President and architectural historian Eric Vogel for an in-depth look at his latest exhibition, Frank Lloyd Wright: Modern Chair Design. Presented as part of the Monona Terrace Wright Design Series, this talk explores a lesser-known side of Wright’s career—his bold, experimental approach to furniture design.

Tracing five distinct periods between 1911 and 1959, Vogel reveals how Wright’s chair designs were not secondary works, but key sites of innovation that illuminate the architect’s evolving artistic vision. Audiences will gain a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the research, archival materials, and interpretive strategies that shaped the exhibition.

Eric Vogel is scholar-in-residence at the Taliesin Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona through spring 2025. He is a designer, educator, architectural historian, and former Chair of the 3D Design Department at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. In addition to his leadership at Docomomo Wisconsin, he is currently co-leading the Milwaukee Moderns multimedia research and film initiative and collaborating with the Museum of Wisconsin Art on an exhibition about mid-century Wisconsin architectural photographer Richard H. Bills.

Attendance Options:

• In-person at Monona Terrace (onsite registration)
  https://www.mononaterrace.com/event-group/wright-design-lecture-series/

  Virtual via Zoom — Free registration: https://mononaterrace.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_67l04I6DRHGd6xGtZ1C0JQ#/registration

This program is presented in partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and AIA Wisconsin. Continuing education credits are available for AIA members.