It took craftsmen at Chicago's Linden Glass Co., which answered Frank Lloyd Wright's "Martin House" challenge a century ago, 300 hours (or more) to produce each of nearly 400 panels -- which the architect described as "light screens." The order included 60 windows and doors with the "Tree of Life" motif -- about half of the originals remain.
Depending on the size and complexity, it's estimated that a contemporary "Tree of Life" window re-creation/replacement can cost upwards of $20,000.
Most viewers passing these windows can easily identify the "Tree of Life" pattern -- a base or "pot" from which a central axis or "trunk" extends to an upper "branch" configuration of chevrons. Wright set these windows in a continuous band around the second floor, and the downstairs reception room, to create a grove of abstract trees.
Wright designed more windows for the "Martin House" than any other building in his portfolio -- including other well-known Prairie Houses.
It was one of the most phenomenal uses of art glass ever, and as such "The Martin House" remains a world-wide draw.
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