Textile Done Wright: Schumacher’s Collaboration with Frank Lloyd Wright

Architectural visionary Frank Lloyd Wright has made an indelible mark on modern design. His “prairie style” became the foundation for residential homes in the 20th century, and his philosophy of organic architecture inspired generations of designers. Wright’s singular genius materialized in over 1,000 homes, like the iconic Fallingwater home and the Freeman build (the former of which daringly cantilevered over a waterfall).

Of Wright’s many known accomplishments and talents, his work with textiles is relatively less known. Wright was introduced to the prestigious fabric house Schumacher in 1955 and soon after collaborated on a colorful line. The original Taliesin Line, Wright’s first and only textile collection, captured his passion for modernism. 

In honor of the 150th anniversary of Wright’s birth, Schumacher released a new textile collection in collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Composed of 36 unique patterns, the “Applied Architecture” line revisits designs from the original partnership as well as new never-before-seen motifs. Graphic colorways reimagined from Wright’s sketches and drawings showcase his affinity for geometric accents, while also updating them for contemporary application

Wright worked closely with Schumacher on the 1955 collection. Above, he is shown reviewing patterns for the line.

Cool-toned neutral textiles work well in office spaces or breakfast nooks. While contemporary in color, the graphic patterns and sharp lines pay homage to Wright’s vision.

While some textiles within the collection match those of the original 1955 line, The Applied Architecture collection also reinterprets Wright’s visions and motifs. The Imperial Hotel Velvet print above is derived from geometric patterns found in Wright’s Mayan Revival Tokyo hotel.

The collection consists of a variety of materials ranging from sheer to velvet. Charcoal hues and pops of canary yellow easily adapt to a unique wallpaper or a standout shade. Each design offers an opportunity to bring Wright’s epochal style into your own home. 

You can find more designs and architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright here.