By Babs Rodriguez
Brent Hull: A passion for the craft
Master craftsman, author and hands-on preservationist Brent Hull literally built his business by hand, beginning with the historically sensitive renovation of his 100-year-old HQ. And while Hull Historical now has expanded into a warehouse just west of Fort Worth, Hull still offices in the remodeled southside brick building we wrote about eight years ago. A passion for craft remains his signature phrase, and the nationally recognized authority on historical design and architectural correctness walks the walk. Owners of historic properties both commercial and residential continue to tap into his deep knowledge of architectural integrity, and his moldings and millwork are in demand for period-perfect new builds as well as restorations.
We met Brent Hull in 2011 when we spent a little time in his shop to talk historic design and watch his small crew in action for a story we called “Wood Men.”
Photos by Mark Graham
Hull created this white oak millwork to replicate the look of a 200-year-old French chest.
Photo by Ralph Lauer
In 2016, Hull’s scholarship and sensitivity toward the environmental and historical impact of building a house landed him a show on the History Channel, Lone Star Restoration. While only eight episodes were aired, it did introduce us to Romeo, a Labrador retriever and Hull’s sidekick. Romeo was the featured “Shop Dog” in our January 2017 issue. Now 6, the pooch still has a nose for the business and is joined on the job by a “little brother,” an English bulldog named Winston.
The size of the Hull Historical warehouse facilitates more and larger projects. Currently, the company is restoring windows for San Antonio City Hall and at Texas military base Camp Mabry in Austin as well as building all new windows for the boutique Pittman Hotel in Dallas. Hull continues to consult on any and all aspects of classical architectural design, historic preservation and restoration with local and national architects, designers and home builders (and is an in-demand speaker, too). The company has just finished filming a series of educational videos that will be available on its website in the next few months. Also available online is a line of merchandise including books, T-shirts and the Brent Hull Signature collection of handcrafted and hand-carved pieces inspired by the neoclassical era.
THE DETAILS
Hull Historical This design-build firm offers everything from millwork to residential construction to renovation and reconstruction of historic properties. 201 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth, 817-332-1495, hullhistorical.com