Russel and Mary Wright:
Dragon Rock at Manitoga
Press Kit | Point Reyes Book store
The use of these assets are authorized exclusively for promotion of the book Russel and Mary Wright: Dragon Rock at Manitoga only, and should not be used for any other use case.
In the mid-century era of suburban conformity, Russel and Mary Wright were individualists. The realization of a decades-long vision, Dragon Rock at Manitoga, the Wright’s family home, occupies a sprawling forested property and abandoned quarry located an hour north of New York City. Today, it is part of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Although best known for American Modern dinnerware, the Wrights rejected rigid modernism for a life that invited ambiguity. Mary’s role as a partner, designer, and entrepreneur is explored here for the first time. This lavish volume is filled with personal histories, and hundreds of stunning photographs synthesizing multiple archives, charting the innovation of their design practice, their lives, and the idyll at their Dragon Rock home and the Woodland Paths of Manitoga.
Session Information
Session Title: The partnership of Russel and Mary Wright
Session Description: Best known for American Modern dinnerware, Russel and Mary Wright were at the forefront of American mid-century industrial design. Mary’s role as a partner, designer and entrepreneur is explored here for the first time. Multiple archives have been synthesized exploring the innovation of Russel and Mary Wright’s design practice, their home and the extensive 77 acres of Woodland Paths at Dragon Rock, Manitoga.
Russel and Mary Wright: Dragon Rock at Manitoga is an immersive experience evoking the individuality of these artists, the spirit of architecture and design in the mid 20th century and their ethos which continues to flourish.
“The book fills in the gaps, from how the house evolved to Mary’s involvement. It’s a new deeply considered way to understand the collaborative work. It’s a beauty.” John Danzer, Munder Skiles, emeritus board of directors, Manitoga\Russel Wright Design Center.
Photography by Emily Beets, Ripley Auctions
Photographer unknown, courtesy of Manitoga\The Russel Wright Design Center
Photographer unknown, courtesy of Manitoga\The Russel Wright Design Center
Courtesy of Manitoga \ The Russel Wright Design Center
Courtesy of Manitoga \ The Russel Wright Design Center
Courtesy of Manitoga \ The Russel Wright Design Center
Photograph by Adam Anik
Courtesy of Manitoga \ The Russel Wright Design Center
Photography by Vivian Linares, Courtesy of Manitoga \ The Russel Wright Design Center
Courtesy of the Estate of Russel and Mary Wright
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About the Author: Jennifer Golub
Jennifer Golub is the author of Russel and Mary Wright: Dragon Rock at Manitoga. Her previous publication was Albert Frey Houses 1+2, also published by Princeton Architectural Press, so Palm Springs Modernism Week is a bit of a homecoming. She has produced award winning branded content for the likes of Apple, Adidas, Levi’s, RayBan, and directed and produced Apple’s Emmy award winning “Think Different”. She is the founder of A-Frame Content, generating memorable communications at the intersection of art and social impact. She has served on boards and developed content for various foundations including the XQ Institute, Conservation International, Virgin Unite, (RED), Rock the Vote, Feeding America and Phillip Johnson’s Glass House. She was commissioned by LACMA to produce a film for Ed Ruscha, and the architect Frank Gehry. She resides in Los Angeles, West Marin, and New York City.
About the Moderator: Anna Brockway
Anna Brockway is the co-founder and president of Chairish. Along with her co-founders, she launched San Francisco-based Chairish in 2013 as the indispensable online source for chic and unique items for the home. Anna's vision has led to Chairish’s growth to offer nearly 600,000 exceptional vintage, antique, contemporary and made-to-order products, millions of sophisticated design aficionados, and a community of verified design professionals. Chairish was named one of the Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America by Entrepreneur and cited by Architectural Digest as the “#1 can’t live without decorating app” that will "change the way you shop for furniture online.” Prior to founding Chairish Inc., Anna was the VP of Worldwide Marketing at Levi Strauss & Co. She holds a BA in Art History from Columbia University. Known for her marketing expertise, taste-making style and “let’s try it” attitude, Anna lives in San Francisco with her husband and Chairish co-founder Gregg and their three children.