21 Feb bldg. 51 museum acquires two matching darwin d. martin house (1905) cast bronze sconces

a set of rare and historically important interior darwin d. martin house (1903-1905) wall-mount sconces were acquired by the bldg. 51 museum this week. the strongly geometric designed interior single electric light sconces exhibit a mostly uniform surface patina throughout.

it is uncertain whether the white “milk” glass globes are original to the sconces, although i strongly suspect they have been replaced – the condition report issued by the auctioneer was rather vague.

regardless, the matching set of very distinctive frank lloyd wright-designed sconces will be an important addition to the ever-growing bldg. 51 museum collection.

the images of the sconces below, were taken by the photographers at the cottone auction house, where they were auctioned off earlier this week.