The Building Arts of South Texas

Ten master craftsmen, ten fascinating stories, one 486-page illustrated book about "old world" building trades craftsmen working today to help preserve historic buildings, and the families who have dedicated their lives to saving historic structures in South Texas. The book is about some very special craftsmen who love to work with their hands, who have a burning passion their work, and who value the old architecture with the hope they can be preserved for future generations. Some of the best craftsmen based in San Antonio have told their stories about their professions and the generations of dedicated family members who have carried these vanishing skills forward in order to preserve our past, saving our historic buildings for future generations to enjoy. Barbara Dean Hendricks sat down with ten craftsmen in San Antonio and recorded their stories that have been meticulously transcribed for this ambitious book. Over 250 photos have been added to their stories to show us just what they do and how they do it. Quote from the introduction page of the book: "The Building Arts Group and the San Antonio Conservation Society have teamed together to capture-before they are gone-the voices of the artists and craftsmen that help make possible the enjoyment of these poems in wood and stone by keeping them restored and conserved in all their glory. The men and women in these pages are building arts practitioners, the creative souls who give us the plaster roses and wooden mantelpieces and iron hinges and hand-carved cabinets that make each building unique and noteworthy. San Antonio is known for its ambience, its multicultural charm, its preservation of historical spaces and places. But many of the building arts and the skills of the artisans who help make this city so wonderful are in danger of disappearing. This book aims to preserve, at least in print and photographs, these traditional skills. In addition to the words and pictures, there are appendices listing projects by the featured craftsmen, and their contact information.