November 11 is the fifth anniversary of the opening of Crystal Bridges on 11-11-11. It is also the first anniversary of the opening of the Bachman-Wilson House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home moved from New Jersey and reconstructed on the Museum grounds. In honor of that anniversary, Kelly Johnston, one of the volunteer guides of the house, offers this reflection on his experiences leading guests through the house over the past 12 months. –LD
by Kelly Johnston
A year ago on November 11, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House opened to the public here at Crystal Bridges. What a treat it’s been to lead guided tours of this unique architectural gem. On my tours, I ask our guests to consider this artful dwelling as an enthusiastic young family’s mid-century dream house. But when I reflect on my own experience visiting the house more than 50 times this first year, in all seasons, in all kinds of weather, and most importantly in the company of our thoughtful guests, it seems I’m the one living the dream.
Our guests to the Bachman-Wilson House are fascinating folks eager to engage and share their life experiences. A few highlights from the year come to mind:
After a year with guests like these, I eagerly anticipate learning something new from every tour.
The living area of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Photo by Nancy Nolan
On the subject of architecture, Fay Jones wrote “I’ve always felt that the details, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, are more than just nice things to notice. They are manifestation and expression, a kind of measure of the intensity of caring.” Over 60-plus years, many good people cared intensely about the Bachman-Wilson Hous,including:
The master bedroom on the second floor of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Photo by Nancy Nolan
To end every tour, I quote Fay Jones on the “intensity of caring” and recount for my guests the names of the heroes who’ve cared about this house in the past. Then I suggest that the effort each guest has made to travel to Crystal Bridges and visit the house shows their own intensity of caring. And because they care, this dream house was saved.
And because they care, leading their tours has been my own year-long dream.