Architectural photographer Richard Payne began this photographic 
survey of small Texas towns as a part-time enterprise—something 
enjoyable to do in his spare time out of nostalgia, curiosity, and a 
love of making photographs that reminded him of his hometown. The 
effort grew into a book that reflects today's Texas small towns and 
the practice of architecture as a profession and an art.

    The brief period between 1880 and 1930 was the golden age of 
architecture in Texas. The downtowns of small towns were built then, 
and since about 1950 there has been a general decline, not only in the 
architecture and infrastructure, but also in the cultural and economic 
fabric of life in much of rural Texas.

    Looking closely at the architecture of some two hundred towns 
throughout every region of the state, Payne closely documents in 
beautifully detailed images the current state of our architectural 
heritage. For him, the art of architecture stems from both the practical 
need of civic development and from the dedication, hopes, and dreams 
of architects, builders, and their customers. "Could we learn and 
apply the lessons small towns offer us?" he asks. "Could we not have, 
with all our wealth, energy, and talent, buildings, neighborhoods, and 
cities in which the 'spirit is cuddled, made serene, made at home with 
its fellow spirits, proud and happy?'"

    Payne's answer, represented by the beauty of his photography and 
the passion of his writing, "is always yes."

_________________________________________________________

RICHARD PAYNE is one of the most respected and accomplished 
photographers in the United States with an excellent reputation in 
both the photography of architecture and fine art photography. In 
1992 he became only the second American architectural 
photographer elected to the College of Fellows in the American 
Institute of Architects—the AIA's highest honor. He is a professional 
architectural and fine art photographer, consultant, and lecturer based 
in Houston. STEPHEN FOX is a Fellow of the Anchorage Foundation 
of Texas.



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