March 8–June 15, 2008
Fort Worth Landmarks in the 1950s: Watercolors by Bror Utter
Seventeen brilliant watercolors by Bror Utter (1913–1993) depict historic Fort Worth structures, some of which still stand while others were torn down many years ago. The Eddleman-McFarland House, St. Ignatius Academy, Knights of Pythias, and First National Bank are some of the buildings represented.
The First National Bank commissioned these works in 1956 when one of its officers, Samuel Benton Cantey III, expressed concern that continued urban growth could result in the loss of buildings representing the city’s unique history. Moved to quick action, and with the support of the bank’s president, J. Lee Johnson Jr., Cantey hired Utter to paint the series.
Utter was a gifted watercolorist, and he reveled in the lively details of the structures’ varied architectural styles. The artist also merged his love of vivid colors with the era’s preference for such materials as red sandstone and its propensities for vibrant residential paints.
Other works by Bror Utter are featured in the special exhibition Intimate Modernism: Fort Worth Circle Artists in the 1940s.
Related Events
Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m.
Architectural History Preserved Through the Artist's Eye: A Study of Bror Utter's 1957 Fort Worth Landmarks Suite
Lecture
Quentin McGown, Fort Worth historian
Enjoy a discussion of the sixteen works by Bror Utter (1913–1993) that were commissioned by pioneering Fort Worth preservationist Sam Cantey III during the 1950s to chronicle the rapidly disappearing early architecture of the city. These watercolors are on view through June 15.
Reservations are required; seating is limited. Please call 817.989.5057 by March 5 to register; confirmation will be sent.
Comments
Can you please send me a schedule of events for the museum?
ThankYou, Linda Hamilton, activity director
I’ve had a 1965 Bror Utter Landscape painting for years and have always wonder of appraised value. It holds great personal value and is placed in my entry way for all to enjoy. A friend suggest that I offer to loan it for viewing at your museum in exchange of an appraisal of the painting. If this is something that would be of interest to your museum, please e-mail me.
— Anonymous, April 9, 2008, 4:07 p.m.