Seven Tree of Life Art Glass Windows Installed in the Reception Room

We are very pleased to announce the installation of seven reproduction Tree of Life windows in the reception room of the house. Made possible through the generous support of New York State, the new windows have joined two others previously recreated for the space, creating a ribbon of art glass to welcome guests as Wright intended.

“Wright was an artist who knew how to make his spaces come alive by using light as a medium to add pattern, color, and movement,” said Martin House Curator Susana Tejada. “The experience of seeing all nine Tree of Life windows come together in the reception room is truly magical, especially as the light reflects onto the many jewel-like pieces of gold and iridescent glass.”

Located in the historic Parkside neighborhood of Buffalo, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House is home to an extraordinary collection of art glass—and the Tree of Life is Wright’s best known and most well-loved design. Each of these windows is made up of approximately 750 individual pieces of clear, iridescent, and colored glass set in brass came channels.

The Tree of Life art glass pattern graces the central staircase landing, as well as the entire perimeter of the second floor. It also holds a very special place on the first floor, where it is once again featured prominently in the reception room—a space in which historically the Martin family received guests.

During the Martins tenure, the Tree of Life windows from the reception room were readapted and later removed. With only plate glass remaining, the Martin House in recent years has improvised by using custom static clings as a temporary means to suggest what these windows once represented. With these new windows in place, the sensation produced by the art glass is profound and palpable.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the reception room, which has been dramatically transformed by this installation of art glass,” said Martin House Executive Director Mary Roberts. “Thank you to New York State for its continued partnership and investment, and for enabling us to continue to inspire visitors from around the world for generations to come.”

The reproductions have been thoughtfully produced by Oakbrook Esser Studios of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin—artisans who throughout the years have partnered with the Martin House in the recreation and conservation of all of its art glass. Renowned for their experienced craftsmanship for over a century, the studio is also the authorized licensee of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

The Martin House estate contains more than 400 examples of art glass in sixteen primary patterns. With its abundant collection, the Martin House is still in the process of reintegrating reproductions so as to coexist side-by-side with original pieces of art glass —many of which have stayed with the home, while others have been returned.

Images: Matthew Digati

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support the Martin House through a donation to our art glass fund, please contact Mary F. Roberts, Executive Director, at 716.856.3858 or mroberts@martinhouse.org. Gifts in support of the reproduction of art glass are a special way to memorialize a loved one, honor a family member or friend, or commemorate an important life milestone.