Oct 27, 2013

The Glass House

Ah, the photos/tour that almost didn't happen. I had been wanting to check out Philip Johnson's Glass House since last summer, and we finally hopped a train up to New Canaan, CT last weekend in hopes of seeing his masterpiece. The website did say that "reservations are recommended" but we decided to try our luck. (Remember how I'm not exactly the best planner when it comes to things like this?) I figured if we weren't able to get on the tour, we could at least walk around the property. Silly me had no idea that the actual property was completely walled off and inaccessible to the public.

I can only imagine my totally dejected crestfallen face when we were told that weekend tours in the Autumn season are often booked out three weeks in advance and that there was no way to see the house without a tour ticket. I asked if we could wait to see if anyone who had made a reservation didn't show up. I lingered around, still hoping something would come through, while the ladies running the tours whispered about. Well, they let us on! Man, I must have looked really pitiful. One of the ladies was kind enough to take us on a separate van and come pick us up separately. I am forever grateful to her and wish I had gotten her name. It was a gesture I won't forget.

It's really such a striking building. I wish I had better photos but the light was uninspiring (I know, excuses excuses) and I was juggling taking photos between my phone, the Sony QX100 that I was testing out that week, and my SLR. Here are just a few to give you a sense of the property. What a work of art.







If you're planning on visiting, don't forget to make reservations well in advance. I've learned my lesson!

16 comments :

  1. Wow it is gorgeous, to me the light looks perfect. I am so glad they let you in.

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  2. As Philip Johnson said: "A room is only as good as you feel when you're in it." The Glass House is definitely one of Philip Johnson's finest work. Great photos! :)

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  3. Unbelievable, my favourite post to date!

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  4. Beautiful pictures. You were really lucky to get entry without advance booking. :)

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  5. what an incredible house! thank you for sharing. would love to check it out the next time I am in the area.

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  6. How beautiful and serene this is!

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  7. gorgeous, the black and white contrasts suit the house perfectly

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  8. what a magical space! dream like. beautiful.
    xx

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  9. So glad you got to go! The photos are amazing..... would love to visit one day.

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  10. Your work is amazing and these photos are stunning. Will you be selling prints? Thank you for sharing your talent and being a constant source of inspiration. ~

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  11. I like this site,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    glass

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  12. I have heard that this glass house was the worst to live in but, it was the popular among art. There was talk about someone that lived there and it was so hard because of the heat and the winter. The house doesn't have insulation in it at all. http://www.sauerandsons.net/

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  13. Great article hmm. I like bullet proof glassin my house for emergency purpose only ^^

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  14. LAMINATED GLASS it best glass to be use for security and safety purposes. It has the same characteristic with BULLET PROOF GLASS ..

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