TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

In the 1990s the State Preservation Board let contracts for the restoration of the State Capitol building and its contents. Having the opportunity to choose, Mr. Bowman selected the Supreme Court Bench and adjoining clerk’s desk for his restoration project.

The bench was original to the capitol, being made in Chicago. The bench is American black walnut, with shellac finish and gold lettering in the Latin phrase on the front. It was restored in the 1930s and expanded for a larger court. Drawings and photographs of the original arrangement were found, and it was returned to the 1870s look.