The John Lautner Foundation Newsletter

June 2006

From the Board of Directors:

So much is happening with the Foundation and with interest in Lautner buildings now that we want you all to know about it. We are therefore keeping you in the loop with email news. In addition to the items below, there are several significant actions in the works that can't yet be broadcast. We will let you know of them as soon as we can. All of this information, and more, will be included in our upcoming print newsletter, which will be mailed to Foundation members. See below for news about memberships.

This entire newsletter is also available online: http://www.johnlautner.org/emailnews/newsone.htm

In this issue:

Goldstein office removal
Kitchen island auction
current tv agreement
new membership method

Goldstein office removal

The Foundation has recently worked long and hard to preserve the Goldstein office, a remodel of a generic office space on the 20th floor of a building on Santa Monica Blvd. A few views (photos are reduced-quality versions of photographs by Alan Weinstein, arcaid):
:

ceiling in Goldstein office

photograph copyright Alan Weinstein

Desk in Goldstein office

photograph copyright Alan Weinstein

The new tenants of the space wanted it removed. To protect the amazing design, the Foundation headed an effort to classify the space as a cultural monument, which was successful. However, for long-term viability, the space had to be moved. It was carefully deconstructed and stored in a storage building, and is awaiting an offer from a museum or other entity (as of June 2006, two excellent offers have been received). The Foundation wants to see the space reconstructed elsewhere, in a location that is accessible to the public. For more on the history, see this page.

Auction of Kitchen Island

John Lautner designed a kitchen island for his friends, Ken and ?? Mills (daughter of Alden Dow, fellow apprentice at Taliesin), in 1969. The current owner of the house, Maria Kurt, is auctioning the island through Bonham & Butterfield, probably in September. A recent picture of the island:

kitchen island

The auction page does not yet list the items in its September sale. If you are interested in this island check that site later in the summer or contact the directors.

current tv agreement

Some of you may have noticed that the new television network, current tv, uses a set that looks a lot like the interior of the "chemosphere" (Malin residence). There's a reason for that. The set is actually an almost exact reproduction of that space, down to the photographic mural in the background that replicates closely what one sees from the actual residence. In developing the television network, the producers wanted a studio space that suggests a homey yet radical way of looking at the world. Thus they talked to the Foundation and came to an agreement that benefits us both.

Here are two pictures showing the studio in night- and day-time lighting:

current tv set with night lighting Simulated night...

current tv set with day lighting Simulated day.

Membership method changed

As most of you know, the Foundation offers several membership levels. When you are a member of the Foundation, you are entitled to our printed newsletter and discounts on any events offered that year. ALL Foundation members are entitled to a discounted rate at the amazing Desert Hot Springs Motel (when you call for a reservation, be sure to mention that you are a member. The person taking the reservation will confirm your status before giving you the discount). Higher-level memberships receive increased benefits. The primary reason for joining the foundation, though, is the support you provide to the Foundation and its goals. We are excited about the work we are able to do, with your help.

We have now improved the method for signing up. With our new method, you can select "renew automatically". If you do not select this option, you will receive a reminder about thirty days before your membership expires. Even more importantly, members will automatically be given discounts, according to their membership level, on future events. No more need to email us so that we can check your status and give you a discount code. Event registration will be simplified. When you click the link below, you will see the membership types and you can choose which works best for you, then proceed to sign up.

Become a member!

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The John Lautner Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to the Foundation are used to further the Foundation's goals. The Foundation's directors serve voluntarily, doing most of the work of the Foundation themselves. From time to time, the Foundation is assisted by members of its Advisory Board, many of whom have special expertise.