Brad Oldham: Dallas’s Visionary Sculptor and Dedicated Preservationist
In the vibrant tapestry of Dallas’s artistic landscape, one name resonates with particular prominence: Brad Oldham. Chances are, even if the name doesn’t immediately strike a chord, his evocative artwork undoubtedly does. The sculpture captured above is often the first visual cue, a familiar beacon of his public art genius that has graced our city for years. From the whimsical charm of “The Traveling Man” in Deep Ellum to the spirited metal birds perched elegantly across the Dallas skyline, Oldham’s creations are more than mere adornments; they are intrinsic parts of our urban identity, sparking joy and contemplation among residents and visitors alike.
Yet, beyond the public accolades for his sculptural masterpieces, lies a lesser-known but equally profound dimension of Brad Oldham’s multifaceted career: his unwavering dedication to historic preservation. This commitment reveals a deeper facet of his artistic soul, one that cherishes the stories embedded in venerable structures and strives to safeguard their legacy for future generations. It’s a passion that blends his innate understanding of form and material with a reverence for history, making him a unique and indispensable figure in both the art and preservation communities.
His significant contributions to preserving Dallas’s architectural heritage have not gone unnoticed. In 2004, Brad Oldham was deservingly honored with the prestigious Preservation Dallas Craftsmanship Award, a testament to his meticulous work on the historic Kirby and Wilson buildings. This award recognized his exceptional skill in restoring these architectural gems, showcasing his ability to blend artistic vision with the rigorous demands of historical accuracy and structural integrity. This early recognition set the stage for a career deeply intertwined with both creating new art and preserving the old.
The Fabricator’s Genesis: A Lifelong Aptitude for Problem-Solving
Before achieving widespread acclaim as an artist and preservationist, Brad Oldham established a reputation in Dallas as the unparalleled expert for bringing complex ideas to life. As he eloquently put it, “I’m good at figuring out stuff.” This unassuming statement belies a profound talent for engineering solutions, manipulating materials, and transforming abstract concepts into tangible realities. His inherent understanding of how things work, and more importantly, how to make them work better, has been a defining characteristic since his earliest days.
This innate sensibility wasn’t acquired; it was observed from childhood. Brad was the quintessential inquisitive kid, not content with merely disassembling a race car. His curiosity compelled him to rebuild it, often improving upon its original design. This hands-on, investigative approach blossomed into remarkable feats of youthful ambition. By eighth grade, he possessed enough confidence and skill to convince a neighbor to entrust him with the construction of their horse barn – a project far beyond the typical scope for someone his age, yet a clear indicator of his burgeoning talent for fabrication and construction.
Oldham’s formative years weren’t solely confined to workshops and blueprints. He was also a dedicated athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball, which earned him an athletic scholarship for college. This period instilled discipline, teamwork, and a competitive drive that would later serve him well in his demanding professional life. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a master’s degree at TCU, further refining his intellectual and creative capacities.
Upon graduation, a unique opportunity arose through his brother, Todd Oldham, who had launched a flourishing fashion design business. Brad was enlisted to create distinctive buttons for the garments, a task that required precision, artistic flair, and an understanding of production. This initial foray into commercial design quickly evolved, leading him to head the production department for Todd’s clothing line for several years. This experience provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of manufacturing, design, and bringing a product from concept to market – skills that would prove instrumental when he eventually branched out to establish his own independent artistic and fabrication ventures.
A Multifaceted Career: The Convergence of Art and Preservation
Brad Oldham’s career path is a remarkable testament to his diverse talents and relentless curiosity. Indeed, his professional journey seems to have touched upon nearly every facet of fabrication, art, and restoration. His expertise in ornamental metals led him to a pivotal role at Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction, widely recognized as the premier company for historic preservation projects. In this capacity, Brad immersed himself in the intricate world of architectural conservation, contributing significantly to some of Texas’s most cherished historical sites. His tenure at Phoenix 1 saw him apply his “figuring out stuff” mentality to preserve the delicate beauty and structural integrity of countless historic elements.
His work extended far beyond Dallas, leaving an indelible mark across the state and even reaching the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. Brad worked on over 40 Texas courthouses, each project a complex puzzle of historical research, material matching, and skilled craftsmanship. Simultaneously, he lent his talents to crafting breathtaking installations for renowned restaurants and hotels in Las Vegas, showcasing his versatility in delivering both authentic historical reconstructions and contemporary, large-scale artistic statements. Whether restoring a weathered cornice or fabricating a grand new focal point, Oldham’s hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail remained constant.
The Heart of Texas: Revitalizing Historic Courthouses
For Brad, historic preservation is far more than a technical endeavor; it’s a profound engagement with human stories. “With historical work, there is always a story,” Brad often says, emphasizing the rich narratives embedded within every old building and every fading architectural detail. This philosophy guides his approach, transforming each project into a journey of discovery and connection. He relishes the opportunity to interact with county commissioners and the long-time residents of these historic towns, soaking in their anecdotes and personal histories. “They are awesome people and always so grateful to have us there,” he notes, highlighting the deep appreciation shown by communities whose heritage he helps to safeguard.
Among his most gratifying preservation projects stands the Shackleford County Courthouse in Albany, a landmark restoration that holds a special place in his memory. This particular courthouse was pioneering, marking the very first restoration completed under the highly influential Texas Historic Courthouse Restoration Program. The project was replete with fascinating discoveries, including the unearthing of a hidden door and its original hardware, dating back to 1886, concealed behind a wall. This unexpected find was a moment of profound connection to the past, and Brad’s team meticulously replicated this intricate hardware for the entire courthouse, ensuring historical authenticity was woven into every detail of the renewed structure.
Another monumental undertaking was his substantial work on The Harrison County Courthouse in Marshall, Texas. This project presented its own set of unique challenges and triumphs. The majestic 14-foot-tall Lady of Justice, an iconic figure gracing the courthouse’s apex, underwent a complete and sensitive restoration under Brad’s guidance. This involved intricate structural repairs and surface treatments to ensure her enduring presence for generations to come. Additionally, the project required the recreation of eleven eagles that adorned the courthouse’s perimeter.
Brad recounted the challenges: “They were made of zinc, and every time there was a storm, they had to be taken down, or they’d get beat up.” The original zinc material proved too fragile for the harsh elements, necessitating a more robust solution that would still honor the original aesthetic. Brad and his team ingeniously addressed this by molding the existing forms and then casting the new eagles out of durable aluminum. This strategic material change not only preserved the historical appearance but also ensured the eagles could withstand future storms without constant maintenance, embodying a perfect synergy of historical accuracy and practical longevity.
Beyond Craftsmanship: The Art of Storytelling and Unwavering Dedication
Brad Oldham’s commitment to his projects, particularly in the realm of historic preservation, often transcends conventional expectations. Alongside his wife and artistic partner, Christy Coltrin, he consistently goes the extra mile, embracing challenges that would deter many others. Their collaborative approach enriches every endeavor, merging Brad’s unparalleled fabrication skills with Christy’s keen artistic eye and dedication to authentic storytelling.
One memorable project, for instance, involved an incredibly unique restoration requiring specific natural materials. Brad recounted, “We worked on a project that involved horsehair, camel hair, and shells from Galveston.” This wasn’t a simple trip to a specialty store; it required hands-on, meticulous sourcing. “We dug on two beaches in Galveston to find the shells to put back into this cast stone,” he explained. This level of dedication – physically searching for specific, historically appropriate materials – exemplifies their unwavering commitment to authenticity. For Brad, these arduous tasks are not burdens but opportunities for deeper engagement. “It’s the research and the fun of the storytelling that I really like,” he stated, underscoring how these meticulous efforts contribute to a richer narrative and a more genuine restoration.
The collaboration between Brad and Christy is a powerful force, creating a synergy that elevates their work. Their shared passion for uncovering and preserving history, combined with their creative problem-solving abilities, allows them to tackle projects of immense complexity with remarkable success. This dedication to uncovering the true essence of a historical piece, rather than merely superficial repair, is what sets their preservation efforts apart. It’s about listening to the whispers of the past and ensuring those voices are heard clearly in the present.
Enduring Impact: Brad Oldham’s Vision for Art and History
While Brad Oldham is undeniably an artist first and foremost, continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary sculpture, the allure of historic preservation work remains a powerful draw. He selectively undertakes these projects, recognizing that proper restoration demands not only immense skill but also significant financial investment. For Oldham, a project must be a “good fit,” aligning with his expertise and offering a genuinely unique challenge that ignites his passion for problem-solving and historical integrity. Restoring anything properly is rarely inexpensive, requiring a comprehensive understanding of materials, historical techniques, and the long-term vision for the structure’s future.
His continued involvement in historic preservation is a testament to his unique aptitude and a reputation built on trust and exceptional results. “I’ve continued to do some historic preservation work because I’m that guy that figures anything out in 10 questions,” he confidently states. This isn’t an exaggeration; it’s a profound understanding of his own rare ability to quickly assess complex situations, diagnose issues, and formulate effective, historically sympathetic solutions. His keen analytical mind, combined with decades of hands-on experience, makes him an invaluable asset to any preservation effort.
Indeed, Brad Oldham embodies the rare convergence of an artist’s vision, a fabricator’s skill, and a historian’s reverence. From shaping the urban landscape of Dallas with iconic sculptures to meticulously preserving the architectural treasures of Texas, his work leaves an enduring legacy. He reminds us that art is not just about creating new forms, but also about understanding, honoring, and safeguarding the beauty and stories of the past. His dedication ensures that Dallas’s rich history, much like his celebrated art, will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come. Through his hands, history is not merely maintained; it is vibrantly reborn.
To delve deeper into the inspiring stories of other individuals dedicated to safeguarding Dallas’s rich architectural heritage, click here to discover more heroes of Dallas historic preservation.