STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The W.K. Gordon Museum and Research Center will host the exhibit “Spurs & Straps: A Legacy in Metal & Leather” celebrating the artistry and enduring legacy of R. F. and Liz Ford starting Sept. 13.
The exhibit will feature the craftsmanship of the Fords, whose handmade spurs and leatherwork have become iconic symbols of Western heritage and cowboy culture.
Visitors will journey through decades of dedication to traditional techniques, with displays featuring custom spurs and intricately tooled leathers produced by the Fords, along with personal artifacts and images that tell the story of a couple whose work bridged function and fine art.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, culture and character behind one of the region’s most respected names in Western gear. The exhibit opens Sept. 13, 2025, and will run through March 29, 2026.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.