Visiting Taliesin was awe-inspiring for me. Approaching the house, seeing the way it is set on the land as I approached it, I could barely contain my enthusiasm. Yeah, that's how I get; giddy sometimes.
But really, seeing this beautiful home that Frank Lloyd Wright both designed and lived in was a perfect experience for me.
As the architecture nerd that I am, visiting houses, buildings and structures designed by architects or in architectural styles that I admire is just something I love to do. But I really believe the history and beauty are such that almost anyone would enjoy coming here.
A lot of my own sensibilites about design were influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and his "organic architecture".
I've always loved his determination to make sure the house fit naturally into its surroundings. I love his use of geometry and clean lines, the well thought out utility of the built-ins and the incredible beauty that results not from fussy adornment but from simplicity.
Don't be fooled however because to get things built the way FLW wanted them to be, this "simplicity" was usually a painstaking process.
His use of earth colors to enhance the total experience is brilliant.
Coming to Taliesin, you will see all these techniques at their best.
FLW is given credit for designing the first house to incorporate what we would now call "an open floor plan" which was really quite an unusual concept in its time.
As well, his style was to create harmony between the structure and the flow of nature outside so his homes almost looked practically a part of its surroundings.
FLW was a genius but a complicated, at times difficult man. We may not agree with the way he chose to live his life...he hurt many...but he was a man of great conviction and determination and one who refused to compromise on his unique vision. And as much as he may have caused suffering to some, he in turn accepted suffering rather than give in to ideas he didn't believe in.
I was in awe of the beauty of Taliesin. Being there of course, far surpasses any photographs in a book although the photographs may light a fire under you to take a trip out to Spring Green Wisconsin.
Wright's spirit still infuses this place and I found myself imagining him living, working and teaching here. The stories I've read about his life came alive moreso than other places of his that I've visited.
I knocked a star off because despite the good quality of the tour, the cost seems too high.
I'm not a "tour person" as a general rule but that's the only way you can see Taliesin. And although we were fine, the terrain and the walk about the property could be a little too much for some as might be the lack of bathroom facilities.
There is little accommodation for the tourist here. You drive to the Visitor House where you pay the fee (and can buy FLW-inspired items and repros too) and then get on a shuttle bus where you are herded over to Taliesin.
I understand why it has to be done this way but it's not ideal. But don't let this dissuade you; the tour, to its expensive credit, is very informative.
I would recommend reading a biography of FLW before you go. As detailed as some aspects of the tour are, your visit will be enhanced if you understand more about the man, what led to and what went into his building of Taliesin and the triumphs and tragedies that ensued.
This is a remarkably beautiful place, amidst the gorgeous, lush, rolling hills of Spring Green, in one of the most picturesque states of this country: Wisconsin. read more