A Summer Visit to Philip Johnson’s Glass House
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Philip Johnson’s Glass House is stunning year-round, but according to photographer Lane Coder, “during the spring and summer, the property really comes alive and is lush with glowing color.” Coder recently photographed the New Canaan, Connecticut, landmark during the annual summer party and shared his images and impressions with AD.
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The house’s circular pool was completed in 1955.
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Coder, who has photographed the home many times, found that taking pictures at the party introduced a new aspect to the work. “Having that many people around—as well as inside—the house was visually very interesting,” he says. “There were people outside being reflected in the glass walls of the exterior while there were people inside, and they appear to be intermingling with each other, a very beautiful illusion.”
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“The light is completely different every few months, which changes the mood of the property,” says Coder. “The vegetation and wildlife go through a lot of changes as well, making it a very different experience each time I photograph it. Also, depending on the season, the home's glass walls will reflect a changing story.”
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“I truly appreciate seeing modern architecture set in a dense natural landscape. There is something about that juxtaposition, that contrast coming into harmony, that really inspires me as a photographer,” says Coder.
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The Studio, a one-room work space and library, was added to the property in 1980.
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“During the spring and summer everything is full and lush,” says Coder. “The property is more of a maze because the structures are obscured or hidden by the vegetation.”
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“I decided to make some of the images in the portfolio black and white as an homage to the summer parties of the past, when Andy Warhol attended and the Velvet Underground performed,” Coder explains.
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“Philip Johnson had a very clear vision of what he wanted the natural landscape to look like around his property. He removed—as well as planted—trees according to his personal vision. The entire property is a work of art,” remarks Coder.