The Chicago Traveler

Finding the Wright Design

by Matt B on June 11th, 2008

Lloyd Natof creates unique furniture that isn't like anything you would find at a chain retail store. His pieces are just as artistic as they are functional.

Natof creates 'studio furniture,' pieces in which the artist has a hand in personally crafting and designing. There is an attention to detail that you just won't see in mass-produced furniture.

In Lloyd's West Loop studio, much of the furniture is built for commissioned casework. Clients (like the MacArthur Foundation, for example) have a specific need or vision in mind, and Natof constructs an artistic piece to fit those needs. He brings an individual style to each piece and usually has a few free-standing pieces that sell anywhere from $500 to $6,000.

Lloyd is the great-grandson of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's best-known architects and furniture designers. However, he doesn't like to name-drop, preferring to study his famous relative's history and designs in private. Natof's work and craftsmanship easily stand on their own, exemplified in the durable and beautiful pieces in his studio. Finally, as a testament to his dedication to the trade, Lloyd has an accurate ruler tattooed to the outside of his right hand. 'I really do use it probably every day, for quick cross-measurements. It's pretty accurate'within a 16^th of an inch.'^[1]

For a design that's handy as well as handsome, Lloyd Natof is the Wright choice.

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) C. Weber

S L Natof: 1217 W Monroe; 312-733-4205
Visits by appointment
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 20, 127
http://www.slnatof.com/

^[1] Wong, Cecilia. (2006, June 15). Tat tales. Time Out Chicago, p. 22.

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