Dallas architect Frank Welch in 2003
The Dean of Texas architecture, Frank Welch, has died at 90 last Friday, June 23. He was the author of two books, « On becoming an architect » that he published two years ago, and another on « Philip Johnson in Texas » in 2000, whom he admired. I will remember him as a true Gentleman who loved Paris and France, good life and his two daughters, Liz and Woo. He was surrounded by affectionate admirers till the end of his life. He will be missed.
His vision of Versailles is totally architectural
He had spent a year in Paris with his wife Katherine in 1953, and took a lot of photographs of Paris and Versailles which are kept at Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris where they can be seen. Every year, he would send us a Christmas card, a print of a little boy at the Tuileries gardens or of the colonade of the Louvre, a personal vision of the city of light.
A seller of goat cheese on the streets of Paris, 1953
He was mostly a talented architect who always tried to please his clients and build livable houses. His work started in Midland, Texas with the famous « The Birthday », a house built with a massive 20-foot railroad tie used as a structural beam. When he moved to Dallas in 1984, he developed a style in Texan modernism and the house he built in Austin for his daughter Liz Tirrell is a fabulous memento of his later years. The stairway with steps in cork is something I will always remember for the softness of the climbing. The light was his primary concern especially in Texas where it is so strong. Yet his house had a very specific softness and charm.
The Birthday, designed in 1964, outside Midland where he practiced until 1984
I met a few of his clients over the years and they all shared the same happiness and warmth in their homes.
I remember him picking me up at Dallas airport with Liz and he had brought French champagne to drink in the car so that I would feel at home ! Everything was always fun and any excuse for celebrating was welcome.
Frank Welch was a mix of great talent and extreme modesty, wonderful Texan charm and ultimate refinement. We enjoyed drinking our dry martinis together.
Frank Welch in his office in Dallas
He is buried in Midland with his wife Katherine and son Baker, but a Memorial service will be held in Dallas in a few weeks.
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5 Comments on “Texas architect Frank Welch has left us”
Hi, thank you for the lovely thoughts and images.
Frank was special. All of the memories add a lightness to the sadness that is felt.
I only knew Frank Welch through books, magazines, your admiration for him – and his daughter’s love. He always sounded like someone with whom I would have loved to work and learn.
What a man and life. Like you Laure, his warmth and passion for architecture touched me deeply.
Laure–what a beautiful tribute to dad. He was just crazy about you, loved hearing your voice last week even though he was getting so tired–you brightened his spirits. He always loved whenever he got to see you and exchange ideas whether visiting Paris or seeing you in Dallas or New York. His service today in Midland was wonderful, with many friends and admirers including a very sweet surprise from former First Lady Laura Bush who Dad just adored! Dear Douglas McGrath came from New York & gave a eulogy that was perfection–followed by Franklin singing a wonderful rendition of The Water is Wide which didn’t leave a dry eye.
Liz,
What a loss this must be for you.
We just celebrated my father’s 100th! Every day counts.
Didi