Conlon Nancarrow / Juan O'Gorman
Casa Estudio Conlon Nancarrow, designed by Juan O'Gorman (1948,1972)
Nancarrow was an American composer who moved to Mexico City in 1940. He joined the Communist Party in the United States in 1930 and in 1937 volunteered for the Abraham Lincoln Brigade to fight Franco fascism in the Spanish Civil War. Facing political blacklisting upon returning to the United States, he moved to Mexico City.
His closest friend in Mexico was painter-architect Juan O'Gorman. The Nancarrow house and studio was designed by O'Gorman and built in two phases. The small front house and music studio came in 1948 and the second in 1972. O'Gorman designed the second building as a wedding present to his dear friend. This was O'Gorman's final architectural project. Conlon lived in the house until his passing in 1997. It's still owned by his family, although his music and most of his instruments are owned by a foundation in Switzerland.
The stone mosaics murals were the second time O'Gorman used the technique. The first was above his own fireplace. The stone murals would become his signature, with the largest project being at UNAM.
Nancarrow liked to cook, as evident with an outdoor oven under the stairs. It is just beyond the entrance and is one of the first things you see when entering the compound.
We all know that it's the kitchens and bathrooms that usually get ruined first.
Not this one.
Complete with Clara Porset chairs.
The house is currently for sale and the chairs come with it.
Nancarrow at home in the 1980s. I did not see this, what looks like a Michael Van Beuren chair, anywhere at the house.
Source: Nancarrow Estate
It's unclear if the mural motifs came from just O'Gorman or they were a collaborative effort.
On the upper patio.
Nancarrow was a renowned experimental and mechanized music composer. He wrote complex music and created instruments "...that hands and fingers could never play."
It was in Mexico where he developed the auto-playing musical instruments he is known for. In fact, it was in this home studio where it all happened.
Nancarrow is his studio, 1950s.
Source: Other Minds
A photo of Nancarrow and John Cage is on the shelf. Nancarrow was inspired by Cage and the two later became friends.
It wasn't until the late 1960's when Nancarrow's work became more widely known. In 1982, he received a MacArthur Award.
There is a library upstairs from the studio.
Nancarrow is his library, 1950s.
Source: Nancarrow Estate
The 1972 building, with an enclosed outdoor patio addition that came later.
The compound is set back far from the street down this long driveway.
Thanks to Mexico City Modern and Daniel Sánchez Ostaszewski for the tour! As mentioned, the house is currently for sale. Mexico City Modern is looking for the right caretakers who will preserve this iconic property. Please get in touch with them if interested.
Just know that the architecture gods will forever haunt anyone who messes with that kitchen.
You'll get bit too.