Oliver Franklin (1961-2022)
We lost our friend and curator of The Ney.
To mourn as a community, email your photos and memories of Oliver to FriendsOfNey@gmail.com.
Oliver Percival Franklin was born on October 3, 1961 in New York City and passed on April 4, 2022 at the age of 60 after a four year battle with cancer. At the age of 10, Oliver moved to Austin with his parents and two younger sisters to be closer to his father’s family that have owned and still operate a large cattle ranch in Llano County since the 1870s. A proud a seventh-generation Texan, he attended UT-Austin, where he received a B.A. and an M.A. in Geography, focusing on what is known as Sense of Place. His Master’s Thesis surveyed 7all murals in Austin and was entitled Listen to the Walls Speak: Murals and Symbology in Austin, Texas, 1990-1995. After receiving his MA, he served as Education Officer at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg and found a new passion–-raising community pride through community education culminating with his time at the Elisabet Ney Museum, where he was at the helm for 10 years until his death.
Oliver couldn't help but be his authentic, unique self. A warrior for artists in Austin and having showcased over 90 female artists at the Ney, Oliver was passionate about quality and excellence, in art, in conversation, in language. His love of his family and friends was profound and visceral ---and it was easy to become one of his friends. Philosophy, film, culture and creativity were the energies that inspired him and his enthusiasm inspired so many. Curious about everything and with an encyclopedic knowledge of certain subjects, he was a true Austin original that could enliven any event with his positive enthusiasm.
In addition to the award-winning eclectic events and programming he produced while a museum professional, he was a published author and essayist in local, national, and professional publications and an art photographer. He served on the Board of Directors of his family’s Llano County cattle ranch, and on the Advisory Board of Big Medium. He also re-activated the Friends of the Ney Advisory Board, a group that led a successful campaign to earn national recognition and a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation
An incredibly devoted father of two beautiful children, Anne Olivia and Anderson Percival, Oliver is also survived by his two sisters, Jennifer Franklin Ortiz and Georgia Franklin, and their families, Paloma, Asa, and Fermin Ortiz; and Abigail, Penelope and Joe Chung; his uncle Frank Franklin; and Annie and Anderson’s mother, Lindsay Franklin.
And a huge collection of friends and admirers who will miss his energetic spirit terribly.
A celebration of Oliver’s life will be held in conjunction with the Elisabet Ney Museum’s annual Ney Day Celebration, Saturday April 16, from 12-4 with a special tribute from 4-5pm. Following will be a ceremony at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 3201 Windsor Road on Wednesday, April 20th, 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consideration a donation to either The Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum or help fund his children's education
Lindsay Franklin
Oliver. Oliver was someone who said yes to all of my ideas, and to an artist this is an invaluable gift. He saw what I was intending to do by listening well (another rare gift) and added his touches to bring out the best in the work. I am quite lucky to be in his graces, even if for a very short time.
Safe travels Oliver.
Barbara Attwell
It is with a heavy heart that my partner and I have learned of Oliver's passing. I will be traveling during the memorial, but wish to share my condolences to his family and friends and colleagues.
As a docent of Elizabet Ney's Castle, I found Oliver was a passionate and energetic man with many ideas about the world and what could be.
He will be missed in this dimension.
Stephen Fabian
I’m sad to be away at this time, unable to gather with friends and family on Saturday to honor and remember Oliver. I was lucky to get to know Oliver Franklin as a City of Austin colleague working in the arts. His ready humor, his intelligence, his easy flow of conversation made us friends immediately. I enjoyed that he was always sharing his latest ideas - talking with him about public art projects at the Ney was always full of energy and insight. Seeing him at art openings, often with his son, was always a treat - he was loved and highly regarded by so many. His research while at UT into Austin’s murals made him a fount of knowledge and a great resource. Oliver was an original, a delight and someone I admired and looked forward to seeing. I will miss him.
With deep sympathy for Oliver’s family and all his friends who will miss him,
Sue Lambe (immediate past City of Austin Art in Public Places program manager)
If you evaluate a life based not on how long someone lived but rather how much and how well they lived, Oliver Franklin’s time with us must be counted as a resounding success. Like just about everyone else who had the pleasure of knowing him, I was enriched as much by his curiosity, knowledge, kindness, and ebullience as I was by his humility and sacrifice. What I’ll miss most perhaps—even more than his beautiful mind and his hearty YEEHAWs—is how much more hopeful and comforted I felt on any given day, knowing he was out there making the world a little better just by being Oliver.
He carved his own path and we should be grateful that we got to walk with him but for a little while.
David Wyatt
Oliver lived in the house right behind us (on Bouldin). He was the first Bouldin neighbor we met and he knew everybody. He would take 45 minutes to circle our one block cause he’d talk to everybody!!!
Deborah C Trejo
I met Oliver Franklin during my junior year at UT, I think. He was one of the dear college friends I cherished -- a handful of us still here in town, all these years later. Oliver lived at the French House Co-op while I lived at 21st Street, and I think we bonded over a love of vintage clothes, books, liberal arts classes and the buzz of finding like-minded folks in a sea of sorority girls/frat boys in 1985 Austin.
As soon as the temperature dropped, Oliver was in tweed jackets with elbow patches. I can still see him walking down the South Mall by Mezes in a cool houndstooth blazer, his red hair unmistakable, his eyes dancing, always.
When we saw each other on campus, which was pretty often, he'd always ask, "Vintage?" while complimenting my skirt or a jacket. We'd laugh and then start talking about whatever. Maybe the latest exhibit at the Ransom Center...some movie at The Varsity. I have a vague memory chatting about Jean Cocteau with him, as that was a big deal at the Ransom back then. The conversation was never ever dull with Oliver.
We both had John Trimble's famous writing class, though he had it the year before I did. Pretty sure I took that class because of Oliver, and it's not a stretch to say that this course pointed me toward a life built around writing, first to NYC and then to teaching.
That time I saw him at Mezes, another student named Claire joined us as we were talking. I knew Claire only a little, but she was beautiful -- perfect with her bob and ballet flats. She was an Italian major, I think? And as we chatted, I realized I was in a very special place, during a very special time. Oliver made UT feel like Paris, or NYC. Those years at UT were among the most beautiful of my life, and thankfully I was awake enough to realize it at the time. Oliver was a huge part of that time. For me, but also for so many others.
When I started teaching at UT decades later, we met again. I did some volunteer work with him at the Ney, and we bonded over the the ups and downs of our lives since college. I'd also see him at birthday parties for the kids of mutual friends, like Thelma Jane Hall. Oliver knew freaking EVERYBODY.
We had hoped to create some sort of connection between my work with the Heart of Texas Writing Project and his work at the Ney, but life got busy and crazy and that never came to pass. I regret that now, so much.
I hadn't seen him in a bit. I didn't know he had cancer. And as I read old FB messages about our kids, I'm struck again by how fragile and temporary this life is, especially now. I don't know why I have to learn this over and over and over, but the busy-ness of my life is a mistake. I need to remember those slow days on the South Mall and find time to linger, talk, read, connect, maybe even study Italian.
I believe there is a memorial for him at the Ney Museum this Saturday, and a service on Wednesday, April 20. I saw this on his FB page, posted by Lindsay Ford Franklin.
I stole this picture from Big Medium. Apologies in advance if that's not okay, and of course I will delete it immediately if that's best. But it really sums up Oliver, I feel.
I will remember you in tweed, dear one. Thank you for being my friend.
Deb Kelt
He was one special man and though I knew him in passing back in those co-op days ( I didn’t know you were a 21st Streeter!) I knew him better as an adult - I also never understood how ill he was and I regret time missed.The thing that stays with me is a coffee we had together in the last decade at the ever connecting Quacks. After, he gave me a private tour of the museum - I touched the kiln!
A happy memory of a person who made everyone feel singular.
Kriss Pip Kovach
I loved him. He was so generous with his time… told me things about myself that I hadn’t been able to put into words. A huge loss for this city!
Jenn Hassin
Oh Oliver, I'm so sorry that I didn't know you'd been sick.
And now you're gone.
You, my friend, have created so much joy in the world.
You lived a LIFE
filled with art, music, dance, parenthood, friendship, inspiration, gusto.
You brought people in and created space for them.
You were a nexus of good vibes, grace, laughter, and joie de vivre.
We met in college. Caught up again when you were at the HRC and, as you clearly did with so many, you remembered me (and my Dad) and kept us in your orbit to allow us to bring art, music, laughter and joy to so many people on through the first NEY Day and more.
I'm so sad to see that you've suffered.
But I know that you've been surrounded by love and spirit.
I'm certain that all you've brought to the world has flown back through you as it carried you away.
I'm honored to have known you.
And I'm so sad to have to say goodbye.
You lived a LIFE.
Now, rest, my friend.
Namasté
Lisa Schneider
I've been trying to figure out what to say about Oliver since he left us earlier this week, but I've been struggling.
I've read everyone's posts remembering him, honoring him, sharing what they loved and admired about him, and I keep nodding to myself, saying, "Yep. That sounds just like Oliver." Gregarious. Generous. Ready smile. Hardy laugh. Smart. Charming. Lover of life. Doting dad. Mentor. Old Austin. Music appreciator. Brightener of rooms. He was all those things. And it has been oddly comforting to see how he clearly touched the lives of so many, many people in all sorts of different creative circles around Austin. What a legacy.
I knew him as a great hugger, a goofball, a cheerleader, an enthusiast, an adorer of Gracelyn, and a deeply good-natured and endlessly curious dude who was always happiest when surrounded by loads of us lucky enough to call him our friend.
It was difficult to witness what cancer did to his poor body, but you couldn't help but be inspired by his seemingly endless well of hope and optimism - even when things got really difficult. His spirit was uplifting, and like so many of you, I will miss his presence terribly.
Farewell, Oliver. Until we meet again.
Marla Camp
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Oliver Franklin. I first met Oliver when I was an editor in the Entertainment section and he was one of my writers. We stayed friends for years afterward, although I’m sorry to say he wasn’t in my immediate orbit the past few years. He has been the director of the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin for past several years and he was at the Harry Ransom Center before that. He was a great writer, a great Longhorn and an all-around great guy.
Lee Nichols (Daily Texan alumni)
I'm so thankful for the generosity, kindness, and exuberance of spirit that my high school chum, Oliver Franklin , showed my son Augie during his time at the Ney, and beyond.
August Stromberger - Yesterday, Oliver Franklin passed away. I had the good fortune to work for him at the Elisabet Ney Museum for a year and a half. To me, he was much more than a boss - he was an eccentric mentor and a valued friend. He inspired me to pursue a career in museums, and embodied the kind of museum professional that I want to be: thoughtful, passionate, never taking oneself too seriously.
It is difficult to fully describe what made him such a delight to be around - the essence of what made Oliver so damn likable could be found in his wry, boyish smile that was often followed by a theatrical anecdote or corny joke. It could also be found in his truly impressive, Shakespeare villain-style facial hair, or in the well-loved Adult Swim baseball cap that he always wore. He was a true character - absolutely unforgettable. Sursum, good buddy.
Polly Levers
I’m so sad to learn that my boss from when I worked at the Ransom Center in college, Oliver Franklin, has passed away. Oliver was more than just a boss - he was a friend, mentor, & all-around good guy. We hosted so many fun events at the Ransom together & he introduced me to a lot of cool museum people. I still think of him every time I write the word “definitely” after he politely told me I had been spelling it wrong in multiple business emails 🤦🏻♀️ I regret that I never made it to the Ney Museum to catch up with him in his role as Director. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, & anyone else whose life he touched.
Chelsea Luce
This is such tragic, unexpected news. I knew Oliver when he was at the Ransom Center, but really got to know him better once he moved to the Elisabet Ney Museum and brought so much life into that space, indoors and out. I was always amazed to discover certain friends of mine had never gone to the Ney, so I remedied that oversight by taking them to meet Oliver and see where Elisabet Ney lived and worked. He was always such an enthusiastic host. One of my favorite experiences with Oliver was showing THE SECRET OF KELLS, one of the anime films I showed in the summer of 2016 for the Austin Cultural Centers. We were going to show it outside, but Oliver wisely moved us indoors into one of the rooms full of Ney's full-scale statues and busts. Watching that mysterious movie with a storm transpiring outdoors, accompanied by historic figures in marble and plaster, was a special evening that only Oliver could have conjured up. I will certainly miss him.
Chale Nafus
One of my mentors, Oliver Franklin, passed away. Oliver was one of the people I cherished most during my time at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin. He was enthusiastic, kind, so very smart, and had one of those warm Texas personalities that- you just enjoyed being around him. He brought people together. I worked many events with him, and he inspired me to become a docent and to stay on as a volunteer after my internship ended. We kept in touch over the years, and I was so thrilled when, a couple years ago while I was at the Elizabet Ney museum on a Sunday morning, I ran into him outside, and my kids had the chance to meet him.
Katrina Marie Rasmussen
I am very sad to learn this morning of the passing of my wine tasting buddy, Oliver Franklin. Almost 20 years ago, I ran a radio promotion with the Harry Ransom Center to have monthly wine tastings for listeners. So, for a few hours, once a month for a few years, Oliver, Ross Outon, Stewart Scruggs, and I were the crew. Oliver opened the Ransom Center up for us and educated everyone on the displays. Ross served and educated us on the wines. Stewart served the food from his amazing restaurants, including Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar. I just showed up to make sure the promotion went well, and enjoyed the food, wine and my once a month friends. I started this adventure with these guys not being a wine fan. Stewart and Ross took it as a challenge to change that. Wine would be brought for the guests, but Ross and Stewart would also bring wines just for me. It worked, and I have them to blame. I don't think that any of us hung out beyond these events, but we'd see each other periodically over the years and there was this bond. Oliver was a great person, and I am so honored to have known him. My heart goes out to his kids, other family and friends. I will raise a glass to you... Cheers my friend! RIP Oliver.
Brady Woodall
I met Oliver through our mutual friend Brent, many moons ago, when I was a student at UT. He became my boss at the Texas Historical Foundation, but more importantly, he became my friend during a critical juncture in my life. Good grief I was a mess. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wouldn’t be where I am today, had he not encouraged me to finish school. We argued passionately at times, and spent many a night at Opal’s, solving the problems of the world. He and Lindsay showed me love and acceptance and friendship during a time when I deeply needed just that. Some of my most cherished times in Austin. I’m so grateful for the memories.
I’m just going to continue to believe I’ll hear O’s laugh one more time. I wish family and careers and “life” hadn’t kept us from getting together one more time.
Sursum my friend, sursum.
Christy Gray
Just heard some very sad news of a dear friend. Oliver Franklin passed away. He was an amazing collaborator always had great ideas and so much energy to get things done. He brought life to the beautiful Elisabet Ney Museum. He had great passion for the arts and culture. He will be missed in our city and I will miss him. XOXO RIP Oliver. My thoughts and prayers are with the Franklin family during this difficult time.
Patricia Fraga