Fairfield is home to one of the most extensive collections of 19th Century American Art.
Located on the east side of the courthouse square, the Williford Foundation is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Come and view the current art exhibit (at right), which may include oils, watercolors or decorative art.
Or, read one of the numerous art books (in at least three different languages) stored in a glass bookcase.
One of the oldest books on display (shown below) is The Chefs-D’Oeuvre D’Art of the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878, a collection of art that was displayed during the third Paris World’s Fair. Notably, it was at this exhibition that the completed head of the Statue of Liberty was showcased.
The collection was made possible by the late Graham Devoe Williford (bottom right), born and raised in Fairfield, who became a world-renowned art collector.
After graduation FHS in 1943, Williford moved to New York City and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Columbia University.
Although he made NYC his home, Williford also spent several years in Paris, practicing to become a concert pianist.
It was here that Williford became interested in American Art.
At a time when museums and galleries only concentrated on nationalistic subject matters, Graham Williford explored the international exchange between America and Europe.
The Williford Collection include rare and little-known examples of early 19th-century American paintings and decorative art, with major silver pieces by Tiffany and Gorham, with a substantial range of rare flatware and pieces previously owned by William Vanderbilt.
The Foundation has pieces on loan at the Amon Carter Museum, High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the Dallas Museum of Art.
The Tyler Museum of Art has had several significant exhibits of the Graham Williford collections, and currently houses the majority of his 1,100 piece collection.
Graham Williford was best known for his dog, his hats and his Texas British accent. He always had a joke and a smile.
He loved Fairfield and always believed in supporting his hometown.
Williford donated many fine pieces of furniture and art to the Moody-Bradley House in Fairfield, and the Foundation continues to support the local Trinity Star Arts Council.
The Williford Foundation has two trustees, John R. Williford, Graham’s cousin, of Austin, Texas and Thomas C. Campbell of Dallas, Texas, who oversees the administration of the Foundation.
Stephanie Thompson serves as Administrative Director at the Foundation’s headquarters in Fairfield, Texas.
Visit the Williford Foundationat 115 S. Mount Street in downtown Fairfield. Or, contact them by phone at 903-389-9637 or via email to sthompson@willifordart.org
You may visit online at willifordart.org.
Information about The Arts in Fairfield may be found on the new GO FAIRFIELD mobile app. Download it for free at the App Store or get it on Google Play.
