Offered here is an original typed and hand-signed letter by Frank Lloyd Wright, dated August 29, 1953, written on iconic Taliesin letterhead and addressed to: Mrs. Judith Sander Sheltering Hill Mianus River Road Bedford, New York This letter is part of a larger connected correspondence group between Wright and the Sander family, referencing an individual named “Baker, ” suggesting an ongoing project or shared relationship. Full Letter Transcription: Dear Mrs. Sander: You are the baker O. My best to you both. ! Faithfully, (signed) Frank Lloyd Wright Details are slow but sure. August 29th, 1953? Key Observations & Connections 1. Same Family, Same Address Pattern This letter ties directly to your previous one. Mrs. Sander (earlier letter, 1952). Mrs. Judith Sander (this letter, 1953). Same location: Mianus River Road, Bedford, NY?? This strongly suggests. Judith Sander is likely the wife of Frank S. Sander. Wright is addressing her more personally here (first name vs formal household reference)? 2. The “Baker” Reference – What Does It Mean? Across your letters, Wright repeatedly references. “official baker and her helper”. You are the baker O. This is not literal baking-this is classic Wright tone: informal, metaphorical, slightly playful. ? Likely meanings. A nickname or role within a project. Someone “producing” or “putting things together”. Possibly referring to. A client managing details. A patron coordinating logistics. Or even a term of endearment within a working relationship? Was Wright Building a House for the Sanders? This is the right question-and here’s the honest, expert take: What supports that idea. Repeated correspondence over multiple years. Personal tone (not just business-like). Mentions of “details are slow but sure”? Classic Wright project language. East Coast wealthy clientele (Bedford, NY fits perfectly). Invitation to meet in NYC (previous letter) What we don’t yet have. A documented “Sander House” directly attributed to Wright (as of known canonical works)?? Conclusion (strong but careful). The Sanders were very likely prospective clients or engaged in a project discussion. This could represent. An unbuilt commission. A preliminary design phase. Or a personal relationship that never resulted in a finalized structure?? And honestly-this is GOOD for you: Unbuilt or undocumented client relationships are very appealing to collectors because they show Wright’s process, not just finished work. What Wright Was Doing in 1953 In 1953, Wright was in one of the most active late periods of his career. Continuing development of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Designing major late works. Usonian homes. Synagogue projects (like Beth Sholom, slightly later). Traveling frequently between Taliesin (WI/AZ) and New York?? This makes the Sander correspondence even more relevant: They were interacting with Wright at the height of his late-career influence? 4. Tone & Personality (Important for Buyers) This letter is especially valuable because it shows Wright’s personality. Playful You are the baker O. “. Personal (“My best to you both”). Philosophical (“Details are slow but sure) This is not boilerplate correspondence-this is Wright being Wright. Why This Letter Matters. Part of a multi-letter correspondence group (VERY important). Shows a developing personal/client relationship. Includes handwritten signature + added line. Demonstrates Wright’s working tone and process. Likely tied to a potential or unrealized commission? Condition Notes. Original Taliesin letterhead with red insignia. Fold lines from mailing/storage. Light age toning. Strong, clear signature. Pencil notation bottom right (likely archival/pricing mark).
