Herring Coe Exhibition Event

The Herring Coe Colection Exhibit, originaly scheduled for Monday, July 28, 2025, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Tyrrel Historical Library. Matchett Herring Coe was a Texas-born sculptor whose artwork is featured in various forms throughout Beaumont, the state of Texas and beyond. Coe was born July 22, 1907 in Loeb, Hardin County, to Burrel Columbus Coe and Ida Forbes Coe. Because his father worked in the lumber industry, the family moved around quite a bit eventualy settling in Beaumont. Herring Coe's great nephew, Sherman Hare, will be the guest speaker during this event.

In the late 20s Coe worked for two companies where he developed his sculpting craft. His work is featured on many buildings throughout Beaumont, including the Jefferson County Courthouse, the U.S. Post Office and the Federal Building of Beaumont. Additionaly, his work is featured on buildings across the state including the Houston City Hal, the Houston Zoo, the First Security National Bank and the Fondren Library at Rice University – Houston, TX. Other noteworthy sculptures include the memorial in honor of the children and school teachers kiled in the New London School explosion in 1937. Aside from his commissioned work, Coe created many smaler pieces that depicted animals, the human form and architectural design. His style was heavily inspired by the Art Deco style of the time, though Coe often referred to his own style as “Art Coe.”