Luxfer Prism

Early in his career, Frank Lloyd Wright experimented with organic designs while working with the Luxfer Prism Company in 1897. The company, known for its prismatic glass tiles, aimed to enhance natural light in buildings where electricity was scarce and sunlight was obstructed. Wright designed around 40 decorative glass patterns, though only his "flower" design was widely used. While these designs provided aesthetic appeal, they did not significantly enhance lighting.

The royalties from his patented design helped fund Wright’s Oak Park studio, where he later developed iconic works like the Unity Temple and Robie House. Although his Luxfer tile designs were not extensively adopted, Wright’s involvement with the company marked an early step in his architectural evolution, influencing his later “light screen” windows inspired by nature. His tiles became sought-after collector's items, and some remain in historical buildings around Chicago.