The City of Lubbock Unveils New Historical Marker

The Lubbock County Historical Commission has announced the unveiling of a new Texas Historical Marker honoring the life and service of famed sculptor and artist Bess Hubbard. This is the 69th historical marker in the county so far.

Who was Bess Hubbard?

According to the Texas State Historical Association, Bess Bigham was born on Feb. 18th, 1896, in Fort Worth. After attending Texas Christian University, she traveled to Lubbock to visit a cousin in 1916. This is where she met her soon-to-be husband, Chester A. Hubbard.

Hubbard was a farmer who also sold cars in Lubbock. The two married in 1917 and had one son soon after.

Bess embarked on her artistic journey in 1925 while attending various colleges and universities like Colorado College, the University of New Mexico, and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

She quickly earned a reputation for her impressionist-style artwork and local subject matter detailing the southwestern region.

1940's-1950's Bess Hubbard

Hubbard's artistic journey had her exploring clay sculptures by the 1940s. This was also the decade that she began experimenting with jewelry and stained glass.

The mid-1950s saw her artwork on the international scale with some of her sculptures on exhibit in England and other European countries.

After her husband's death in 1957, Bess Hubbard began dabbling with metal castings. Bronze sculptures of her son and grandchildren were eventually displayed in London.

Bess Hubbard died at her home on March 23rd, 1977, and was buried in her family plot at the City of Lubbock Cemetery.