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• 1 2017-11-05T11:36:22-08:00 Olgivanna Lloyd Wright 20 plain 2017-12-18T08:27:28-08:00

  b. December 27, 1896- d. March 1, 1985

  
  
  Role

  President of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and Taliesin Associated Architects (1959-1985)
  Vice President of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation (1941-1959)
  Third wife of Frank Lloyd Wright (m. on August 5, 1928)

   

  Dates of Involvement

  1924 - Moved in with Frank Lloyd Wright
  1985 - Retired
  

   

  Context

  Olgivanna Lloyd Wright maintained careful oversight of all aspects of each Taliesin project and the Taliesin Fellowship program following the death of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1959. She was a talented interior designer, contributing to several Taliesin projects, including the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at Rocky Mountain National Park. Olgivanna is credited with selecting the distinct orange color that is seen on the upholstery and curtains today (Allaback, 2000). Her detailed attention to the aesthetic of the interior set Beaver Meadows Visitor Center apart from other Mission 66 projects. However, the National Park Service was not prepared to pay for custom-made furnishings, instead using the standard options through the Federal Supply catalog with a few custom pieces (National Historic Register Nomination, 2001). 

   

   

   

   

  Olgivanna took the helm of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and Taliesin Associated Architects in 1959. In the “Partner to Genius” documentary following her death, James Auer postulates Olgivanna never recovered from Frank Lloyd Wright’s death, instead making it her mission to keep her husband’s name and company profitable. Auer’s documentary highlighted the partnership between the couple, claiming Olgivanna was talented in her own right, an equal match for Frank Lloyd Wright's intelligence. When invited to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center opening ceremony, she declined with a brief note capturing at once the success of Taliesin under her leadership and her direct personality, “Unfortunately your invitation arrived too late for me to be present at the dedication ceremony. I hope that your building will be a fine contribution to beauty as well as utility” (ROMO Archives, 1967).

   

  Education

  Olgivanna grew up and attended school in Eastern Europe. She trained as a dancer at the Gurdjieff Institute where she lived and studied with George Gurdjieff.

  
  Career

  Olgivanna was a trained dancer, composer, writer, teacher, academic administrator, interior designer, author, and a patron of the arts (Auer, 1997). She also participated in the daily work at Taliesin, assisting with the interior design of several projects, including the Kaufmann House and the Guggenheim Museum. Her contributions led to a citation from the Association of Interior Architects in 1984 for her work in interior design and architectural education. Olgivanna contributed to the prestige and international reputation of her husband and their multiple programs through her work as an author. She wrote several books about her experiences with Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin - part propaganda to encourage students to enroll in the school and part celebration of the impressive work of Frank Lloyd Wright.
  
  
  
   

  Related Objects to Explore

  Drape; Krueger Stackable Folding Metal Chair; Oak Arm Chair; Oak Bench; Scalloped-Edge Carpet Remnant; Two-Seat Oak Bench; Wall Covering

• 1 2017-11-05T11:34:22-08:00 Fred J. Novak 13 plain 2017-12-18T13:35:54-08:00

  Role

  Superintendent at Rocky Mountain National Park
   

  Dates of Involvement

  
  1965 - 1969
   

  Context

   

  Fred J. Novak was the superintendent at Rocky Mountain National Park from 1965 to 1969 during the Mission 66 period. He worked with the National Park Service to acquire the furniture for the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. In one correspondence, Novak recorded that the furnishings for Beaver Meadows Visitor Center were not covered by the Federal Supply Schedule (ROMO Archives, 1967). He requested assistance to help procure the items needed to open the visitor center. When the visitor center’s theater and help desk opened to public use on May 26, 1967, Novak was serving as superintendent (ROMO Archives, 1967). In June of 1967, Novak wrote to the NPS director to discuss the opening of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, including information about the architects, furnishings, and auditorium where a short, informational film played for visitors (ROMO Archives, 1967). His involvement in Mission 66 thus contributed significantly towards Beaver Meadows Visitor Center's opening.

  
  Career

  
  Novak served as superintendent at RMNP from 1965 to 1969.

   

  Related Objects to Explore

  Brass Floor Ashtray; Krueger Stackable Folding Metal Chair; Oak Arm Chair; Oak Bench; Standing Floor Ashtray; Table-top Ashtray; Trash Can; Two-Seat Oak Bench