Frank Lloyd Wright

Avery and Queene Ferry Coonley, Avery Coonley Playhouse, Riverside, Illinois, 1912-1920
Thence by acquisition of the Avery Coonley Playhouse, 1920-1967
Elliot Golub, Winnetka, Illinois, 1967-1986
Domino’s Center for Architecture and Design, Ann Arbor, Michigan, acquired from the above, 1986
Christie’s New York, December 9, 1994, lot 245 (one of two)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

David A. Hanks, The Decorative Designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, New York, 1979, pp. 112-113 (for the commission and period photographs of the present windows in situ)
Frank LLoyd Wright: Art in Design, exh. cat., Hirschl & Adler Modern, New York, 1983, pp. 30 (for a period photograph of the present windows in situ)
David A. Hanks, Frank Lloyd Wright, Preserving an Architectural Heritage, Decorative Designs from The Domino's Pizza Collection, exh. cat., New York, 1989, pp. 74-81 (for the commission and a period photograph of the present windows in situ) and 78-79 (for lots 119 and 120 illustrated)
Anthony Alofsin, Frank Lloyd Wright: The Lost Years, 1910-1922, A Study of Influence, Chicago, 1993, p. 73 (for a period photograph of the present windows in situ)
Terence Riley, ed., Frank Lloyd Wright: Architect, exh. cat., The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1994, p. 165 (for a period photograph of the present windows in situ)
Thomas A. Heinz, Frank Lloyd Wright: Glass Art, Berlin, 1994, pp. 149-153 (for the commission and period photographs of the present windows in situ)
Julie L. Sloan, Light Screens: The Complete Leaded Glass of Frank Lloyd Wright, New York, 2001, pp. 284-293 (for the commission, illustrations, period photographs of the present windows in situ and artist sketches) and p. 290, no. 385 (for the present lot illustrated)
Dean Eastman, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Coonley House: Story of a Masterpiece, 2012, pp. 71-77 (for the commission and period photographs of the present windows in situ)

Overall very good condition. The window has been exceptionally well-preserved by the prior owner and sensitively, professionally conserved in order to maintain the original integrity of the materials. The glass with some scattered minute air bubbles inherent in the making and not visually detractive. The glass surfaces throughout with some extremely minor and fine surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The window with some extremely light surface soiling concentrated to the contours adjacent to the caming. The window does not appear to be bowed, however the lowest horizontal pane does appear to be installed at a slight outwardly protruding angle, only noticeable upon close inspection when viewing the window from the side, stable. Some areas of the caming have been filled in with new putty consistent with the original production process in order to stabilize the glass. The caming with a few scattered joins which appear to have been re-soldered with excellent workmanship. One small vertical came between the lower red and upper blue flag motifs in the bottom left corner appears to have been replaced. The two large clear glass are possibly replaced as evidenced by adjacent re-soldering joins, though this glass is very consistent with the glass in the overall panel. The window with a later replaced wood frame which was executed to emulate the aesthetic and proportions of the original frame. The frame with expected wear consistent with age and handling, including scattered surface scratches, abrasions and occasional white scuffs, and with some occasional small holes from prior hardware. The front of the frame with a small area of clear dried adhesive residue at the approximate midpoint of the left side. The reverse of the frame with a vertical splinter to the lower left corner measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches high which would benefit from stabilization. The same corner with a diagonal vertical crack measuring approximately 10 inches high which has been stabilized at some point in the history of the piece, not visually detractive. The wood fitters on the reverse securing the windows within the frame all appear stable; the bottom fitter with a scarf join, which is possibly an old restoration. An exceptional example from the Coonley Playhouse clerestory window scheme capturing the spirit of Wright’s “Kinder-Symphony” with iconic American flag imagery.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.