stone throwers

In 1949 architect Phillip Johnson completed work on what became known as "The Glass House" in New Canaan Connecticut. His professional rival, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe completed work on his glass house, the Farnsworth House in Chicago suburb Plano, Illinois in 1951. They are each modern masterpieces of domestic architecture.

The Glass House

Today, each house is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and open to the public.

To raise the funds necessary for their upkeep the Trust has commissioned a film by artist Sarah Morris detailing the history, lore, and necessary upkeep requirements of the two properties. Her film debuts tomorrow in NYC. Most probably Ms. Morris's film will show up online in the not too distant future.

A companion book, published by Assouline is also available.

The Farnsworth House

If given an opportunity to move into one, I have a clear favorite. I love the simplicity of The Glass House. I wouldn't even have to move to Connecticut. I have a perfect site here.


The National Trust has created a video series, Modern Views, which addresses some of the Trusts issues. Below is a, "which house would you choose" video, with clips by distinguished architect and critics.

Modern Views from Drew Harty on Vimeo.

If you are available, info for tomorrows festivities may be found here.

Toad

Missing something

Most evenings, Mrs. T is in her office watching what passes for television, while I'm in the family room, with a book or keyboard in hand. Lately something wasn't right, and I couldn't place it.

Everything was at hand, and in its place, but something substantive was missing. The room didn't sound right. After a bit of head scratching it dawned on me I couldn't hear Grandfather clock's ticking over sound of the air conditioner.

To my ears, the sound of a ticking clock is the most glorious noise. I find it is substantial yet soothing. I slow myself down in rhythm with the clock. It is the greatest tranquilizer ever after a puppy on your lap.

If you are not blessed with a loud ticking clock, may I propose this substitute? The National Trust has created a CD, The National Trust Album of the distinctive sounds of 11 of their properties. One of the sounds is the clock in the clock tower of Blickling Hall. Click here for a listen.

If you hurry, you can download the entire CD for free.

The second best part of our clock is that once upon a time Mrs. T's grandson emptied a pencil sharpener into the bottom of the case. Years later it still smells fresh every time I wind it.

Toad