In May, we will be entering our fourth tour season since opening in 2007. The site now has a regular stride and a clear vision for the future thanks to our staff, newly forming board of advisors and guidance from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Over the past years, we have accomplished a great deal. We have defined our mission statement and strategy, completed over 30 preservation projects, served three sold-out seasons, saved the viewshed by purchasing the land around our site, and helped form our NTHP modernism and recent past national program. This past year, we recalibrated our expenses to ensure we made our target budget and are proud to have contributed the savings toward our major preservation project - the Brick House.
On this point, I pause to detail how important this next phase of growth and preservation is for us. The Brick House is one half of the whole which defines us. It is not only the companion to the Glass House, it also serves as the central guest room, guest bathroom and library holding the personal collection of Philip Johnson. The Brick House houses all of the mechanical systems which allow the Glass House to be so transparent. It is essential and although often not photographed, is perhaps the "better half" serving so many purposes and bowing to the glory of the other half known as an international icon.
The Brick House can also tell the story of our country's gay history. It was built in 1949 and in many ways may have represented Philip's dual life - the transparent Glass House side where social gatherings took place and the private Brick House side where he could feel comfortable with his homosexuality. He described it as a place "....for love. To be wrapped up and felt loved and romanced." As Philip and David's relationship spanned decades where gay history moved from silence to pride - this evolution was played out in this structure. Pictures of David with Andy Warhol in one of the few images of Andy undressed, stories told of a nude man racing out upon the arrival of visitors, the tender post it notes on between Philip and David to meet in the Brick House are all part of our archives. This structure is architecturally important and socially significant.
This year to begin our fundraising effort for the preservation of this structure, we have launched a project entitled Modern Views. This project challenges architects, artists and designers to produce a work and 100 words to capture the inspiration between the Glass House and the Farnsworth House. Over 100 participants have confirmed and we are producing a book, exhibition and two gala events to evidence this dialogue and then sell the work to the benefit of our modern icon's preservation. Half of these proceeds will go directly to the preservation of the Brick House. You can read more about his project and I hope you will join us for the programs this spring, summer and fall to help ensure this marvelous buildings safety and security.
With warm regards
Christy MacLear
Executive Director, the Philip Johnson Glass House
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
