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Started
in 1987 by Bob Ragan and Mary Condon, Texas Carved Stone in Florence, TX,
employs a crew of skilled artisans to complete intricately carved architectural
elements that are shipped all over the country.
Tucked away among the sprawling plains of Florence, TX, is Texas Carved Stone - a company comprised of a very talented group of artisans that all share the same passion for carving stone. These craftsmen, who hail from all around the country, specialize in architectural carvings in limestone.
The company, which was started in 1987 by Bob Ragan and Mary Condon, is comprised of the two owners and six carvers. As founding members of the Stone Carvers Guild - a group of independent-working professional carvers throughout the U.S. - the owners are careful in their selection of employees. Condon, who handles the business aspect of the company, explained that in the beginning, it was more challenging to find skilled artisans, but now that the company has built a reputable name for itself, carvers are coming to them.
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As
founding members of the Stone Carvers Guild - a group of independent-working
professional carvers throughout the U.S. - the owners are careful in their
selection of employees. Condon explained that in the beginning, it was more
challenging to find skilled artisans, but now that the company has built a
reputable name for itself, carvers are coming to them.<
Ragan began his career as a stonemason, before dedicating all of his time to studying and perfecting the craft of carving. “I began carving limestone as a hobby, with a sharpened screwdriver and a ball peen hammer,” explained the head designer and carver. “On my next birthday, Mary bought me a full set of fine Italian hand tools and a block of Carrara marble.”
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Each
sculptural piece is carved from Texas limestone, which is supplied by
Continental Cut Stone, also of Florence, TX.
Ragan quickly realized that the milling industry was understandably more interested in large projects. “I noticed that many smaller specialty projects ended up on the back burner, and I realized that work was my niche.”
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“We
can have as many as four or five jobs going through the shop at one time,” said
Condon. “Most of our work is interior. There has been a renaissance in high-end
residential.”
Ragan and his skilled team carve in the traditional, classical, European manner. He explained that meticulous attention to detail is paid to each piece.
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At
the time of Stone World’s visit, work was being done for a private residence in
Austin, TX. The project involved making 14 capitals -
each representing a different opera.
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Drawings
are done in a CAD program before the carving begins. Once a limestone piece is
completed, it is treated with an Aqua Mix penetrating sealer.
In addition to custom residential work, the company’s portfolio includes a number of altars for Catholic churches as well as some restoration work. The majority of the restoration projects are for courthouses in Texas.
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Just
outside the mill is a European stone garden, where unique fountains, birdbaths
and various other architectural elements are on display for purchase.
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As
head designer and carver of Texas Carved Stone, Ragan pays close attention to
detail when creating his carved pieces.
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The
company also has a small showroom to display some of its carved limestone
pieces, such as fireplace surrounds.