Graycliff Preservation Assessment of Historic Furnishings

FAIN: PG-52164-14

Graycliff Conservancy, Inc. (Derby, NY 14047-9731)
Reine Hauser (Project Director: May 2013 to August 2015)

A general preservation assessment of the historic furnishings of Graycliff Estate, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1926 as a summer home for Isabelle Redpath Martin and Dwight D. Martin, a Buffalo, New York, businessman. Wright, who also designed the Martins' home in Buffalo, was involved in the complete design of Graycliff, including interior furnishings and finishes. The NEH grant would support the work of a preservation professional, who would identify the long-term preservation needs of built-in and moveable furniture, window treatments, floor and wall coverings, dinnerware, linens, fine and decorative art, photographs, lighting, and fixtures. Concurrent with the preservation study, an historic furnishings report would be prepared with support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

If awarded, an NEH grant will supplement funds received from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the completion of an Historic Furnishings Report for the Graycliff Estate, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This project will undertake a general preservation assessment of the collection of Wright's designed and specified historic interior and exterior furnishings, artifacts, and decorative arts, as well as interior finishes, accessories, hardware, and fixtures. The project will conclude with a series of on-site preservation and education workshops led by the project team, and the resulting research and report will be used to develop an interpretive plan, and guide future decision-making concerning the collection and its role within the historic interiors of the Graycliff Estate.