This Bachman-Wilson House was originally built for Gloria and Abraham Wilson in 1956 along the Millstone River in New Jersey. It was subsequently purchased by architect/designer team Lawrence and Sharon Tarantino in 1988 and meticulously restored. When the house was threatened by repeated flooding at its original location, the Tarantino’s determined that, to preserve it, they should sell the house to an institution willing to relocate it. After the Tarantino’s conducted a multi-year search for a suitable institution, Crystal Bridges acquired the house in 2013. The entire structure was then taken apart and each component was labeled, packed, and moved to the museum, where it was reconstructed in 2015.
The Bachman-Wilson House contains a distinct mid-century modern design, full of sleek mahogany wood which allows the house to flow with Frank Lloyd Wright’s tell-tale elongated layout, epitomizing the connection between art, architecture and nature.
James W. Dains became a fan of architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, in particular, in the early 80’s when Cedar Rock (The Walter Estate) a opened to the public. It has remained a favorite Wright Building. Upon James’ retirement in 2008 he started volunteering at Cedar Rock. In 2009, Dains became a member of the board of directors for The Walter Estate’s nonprofit support group Friends of Cedar Rock. Serving as Membership Chair, Fundraising Event Coordinator, and Vice President ending in 2016. During his tenure, a Capital Campaign raised funds to restore Cedar Rock’s Wright designed Boat House, (one of only two remaining boat houses that Wright designed).
In 2017, James relocated to NW Arkansas and became a volunteer at Crystal Bridges Museum. He serves as Architecture and Bachman-Wilson House Guide. He is also a member
Thursday, February 18
3pm EST | 2pm CST | Noon PST
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