|
Future Texas woodcarver born in Switzerland
On this day in 1883, Peter Heinrich Mansbendel was born in Basel,
Switzerland. He was apprenticed to a woodcarver at the age of ten and
studied in Switzerland, France, and England. He immigrated to America in
1907 and moved to Austin in 1911. During the 1920s and 1930s leading
architects in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio would summon
Mansbendel to put finishing touches on their most important projects. His
fireplace mantels were especially popular. In addition to architectural
detail work, he also made furniture and decorative household items. He
frequently interpreted Texas themes, including historic persons, places,
and events, as well as the flora and fauna of his adopted land. Among the
most notable examples of his public work are the magnificent carved doors
of the Spanish Governor's Palace and of Mission San José, both in San
Antonio, and the portrait medallions of former University of Texas
presidents located in the Texas Union on the University of Texas campus in
Austin.
- Links to Related Handbook of Texas Online Articles
- MANSBENDEL, PETER HEINRICH
- SPANISH GOVERNOR'S PALACE
- Other Texas Day by Day Articles for This Date
- Decline continues as Spanish officer leaves San Xavier missions (1754)
- Mysterious fire destroys evidence against Parr political machine (1914)
|
