Russell Wright was born in Ohio, and studied set design at Princeton, however, never graduated. Mary Eisenstein, his wife, and yes a relative of Albert, was a Cornell graduate.
So, how did they meet?
Working at a festival in Woodstock, NewYork. They were so smitten with each other they married within 6 months and Russell sent his mom a telegram attesting to that fact!
Mary was brilliant in design as well as business and marketing. She encouraged Russell to work in 3D and this created the modern line of dinnerware – affordable with clean lines.
Some of his work..
The Wright’s were always drawn to the Upstate NewYork area, and when an abandoned quarry of 250 acres came for sale they purchased it. Always entertaining, the home became a haven for those in the arts.
The home was constructed between 1942-1961 and in the meantime the Wrights lived in the home on the property as well as at their 5th Avenue apartment.
Sadly, Mary died at 48 of breast cancer, and never saw the completed home.
Only 2 years before her death they adopted Ann, who lived in the home for 20 years after her father’s death with her son.
Ann remains in the area working as a caterer.
Upon Mary’s death Russell was devastated, and now was single parent. He acquired a governess for Ann, and continued to work between the two residences. However, without Mary’s acute business sense, and the market changes, Russell had challenges.
He lived till 1976 when he died of lung cancer. In the will Anne was told to select either the 5th Avenue home or Dragon Rock, and she selected the later.
Russell was strongly influenced by Asian and Japanese culture.
Much of this is seen in Dragon Rock. And unlike Mary though his last name was Wright he was no relation to Frank Lloyd. That said, he knew the man, and Frank did review the Dragon Rock drawings.
The home..
More outside shots
What an amazing visit, and a must see, but book ahead.
Manitoga also has cultural events on the property- check out their website,
Young Retiree Needs a Life 