Wright Is Right for SCJ

SC Johnson unveils Frank Lloyd Wright's incredibly rare Wasmuth Portfolio to mark the start of its 2015 architecture tour season. The iconic lithograph design portfolio launched Wright into the international spotlight and paved the way for the modern architectural movement, according to the company. SC Johnson has also expanded its weekend public tour offerings to offer a rare glimpse at the newly revamped 1940's penthouse office of third-generation company leader, H.F. Johnson Jr.


Hailed by contemporary architectural scholars as one of the most important publications of the early modern architecture movement, visitors will have the unprecedented opportunity to see Wright's rare Wasmuth Portfolio up close.


Following a tumultuous time in Wright's life filled with creative and personal struggles – he was broke and embroiled in a scandal over his estranged marriage and relationship with a client's wife – he retreated to Europe where he focused on the creation of the Portfolio and worked with the notable architectural publisher Ernst Wasmuth beginning in 1909. The completed collection of 100 commercial and residential lithograph prints provides a one-of-a-kind view into Wright's most famous works, including the Larkin Administration Building in Buffalo, NY; the Robie House in Chicago; and Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL.


The Portfolio signaled a turning point in his career as it established him as one of the most prominent American architects of the 20th century and influenced his style for decades, including his work seen on SC Johnson's campus. Starting in May, nearly 50 of the lithographs will be on display in The SC Johnson Gallery.


“The 105-year-old portfolio is an incredibly rare jewel in the architecture community – it's one of only a few complete collections that has survived the test of time,” said Brady Roberts, chief curator at the Milwaukee Art Museum. “The exhibit provides a unique opportunity to not only view Wright's drawings up close, but also against the backdrop of his finished architectural work across the SC Johnson campus.”


According to Wright's 1932 autobiography, only about 30 US copies of the Portfolio survived a 1914 fire at his home. Today, only a few complete original sets remain available for public viewing.


New this year, visitors can explore the refurbished 1940's penthouse office* of SC Johnson's third-generation leader H.F. Johnson Jr. Located in the Administration Building, the office has been restored to depict its original state, including an original Wright-designed desk and chairs, and provides visitors with yet another look into SC Johnson's rich history and family legacy.


Other Wright-designed spaces visitors will be able to tour include SC Johnson's Great Workroom in the Administration Building and the Research Tower—in its second year of being open to the public—which served as a hub of creativity and the birthplace to some of the world's most beloved household products, including Raid, Glade and Pledge.


“SC Johnson's Racine headquarters is home to a rich history of leadership, exploration and architectural beauty, attracting more than 18,000 visitors last year alone,” said Kelly Semrau, Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability. “Our new exhibit and expanded tour offerings continue the company's celebration of Wright's extraordinary legacy and a shared mission to create spaces – both at home and in the workplace. We are honored to continue our tradition of sharing Wright's works with the world.”