Front door detail-ironwork by Henry Potter Ironworks / Dallas
Fanciful gargoyle by Mansbendel
Ludwig Von Beethoven bust in redwood by Mansbendel
Franz Liszt bust in redwood by Mansbendel
Lotus relief carving by PM
Acanthus detail in music room by PM
Green man mantle attributed to PM
Green man detail attributed to PM
Frank L. Blankenship
Architect/Builder: Hal Thomson and Frank Swain
Year: 1918
Style: Tudor Revival
Areas of Significance: Art, Architecture
City: Dallas
F.L. Blankenship House
In 1922, Mansbendel was engaged by Hal Thomson and Frank Swain to provide carvings for the Dallas home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Blankenship. Mrs. (Ella Par) Blankenship was a well know voice teacher at the Hockaday School. For her studio he executed portrait busts of her favorite composers: Beethoven and Liszt (~15" in Redwood). He also carved a chandelier, molding, built-in cabinets and corbels in this room. Elsewhere in the house may be found a limestone fireplace mantel, a door with circular insert and other carved elements are simple but attractively carved. Outside, the front entrance is guarded by a pair of mildly outrageous gargoyles.