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- Wright Studies
- Frank L. Smith Bank, Dwight, Illinois (1905 - S.111)
Interior Photographs By Douglas Steiner, February 2009
As you approach the building and the entrance becomes apparent, the building grows in size. It is reminiscent of what Wright accomplishes with hallways opening up to larger spaces. Where as the exterior may not be as “Wright” as some of his other designs, the interior is pure Wright. As you enter through the center of the building there are light fixtures atop imposing pedestals on either side of the entrance. Doors have been added to the front of the loggia where originally they were only at the end. The loggia is still wainscotted with stone, above which are plate glass windows looking into the offices on either side. There is beautiful designed prairie styled oak trim. An extensive skylights. The prairie styled fixtures and furniture were designed by Wright for the bank. One of the most unique details is the spectacular fireplace that is unique to the bank and 100% Wright. For an excellent article written just after the bank opened: First National Bank of Dwight. Published in the Dwight Star and Herald, Feb. 3, 1906. The light fixtures were manufactured by Willy H. Lau, W. H. Lau & Co., Chicago. 1: Doors have been added to the front of the loggia where originally they were only at the end. The loggia is still wainscotted with stone, above which are plate glass windows looking into the offices on either side.
2: The extensive interior ceiling skylights were designed by Wright. 3: The prairie styled fixtures were designed by Wright for the bank. The beautifully designed prairie styled oak trim was restored to Wright's original specifications.
4: The beautiful designed prairie styled oak trim was painstakingly maintained in this 1990 remodel and addition. (This image courtesy of IvoShandor, Wickimedia, and has been altered.) Original side view drawing of the Frank L. Smith Bank, 1905. This drawing indicates Wright originally designed for the interior oak trim. Detail of original side view drawing indicates what Wright originally designed for the interior oak trim in 1905. 5: The fireplace is constructed of Roman brick and covers the entire end of Col. Smith's office. It adds a touch to the color scheme not found in the other rooms of the building. 6: One of the most unique details is the spectacular polished fireplace bracket that is unique to the Frank L. Smith Bank and 100% Wright.
7: Detail of the spectacular polished fireplace bracket that is unique to the Frank L. Smith Bank and 100% Wright.
Text and Photographs by Douglas M. Steiner, Copyright 2009 BACK
