New: Set of 6 photographs of carved stone faces on the exterior of the Drhumor Building in downtown Asheville

Six new pictures of the whimsical faces carved in stone on the outside of the old Drhumor (Wachovia bank) building in downtown Asheville

How hard is it to breathe life and personality into a cold piece of stone?

These brilliantly whimsical portraits can be found on the exterior of the Drhumor building in downtown Asheville. They were created in 1895 by English sculptor Frederick Miles, who also worked on the nearby Biltmore Estate. At least some of the characters were modeled by local citizens.

The Drhumor building, (pronounced "drummer" and named after an Irish lake), is sometimes jokingly called the "Dr. Humor" building by locals. It's believed to be the oldest extant commercial building in Asheville, and was purchased by Wachovia Bank in 1929. It's now home to a law firm.

Photographs of the Drhumor building faces

Each of the six photographs represents one of the allegorical figures from the exterior frieze. They are designed to be displayed together, but can be purchased individually.

Buy all six photographs as a set here.

Carved Face of a Bearded Man on the Drhumor Building in Asheville. Click to buy a fine art print.

Carved Face on outside of the Drhumor Building in downtown Asheville. Click to buy this photograph. 

Carved Man's Face on the Drhumor Building No. 03 in Asheville, North Carolina. Buy a fine art print here.

Carved Face on the Drhumor Building No. 04 in Asheville, North Carolina. Buy a fine art photo here. 

Carved Face on the Drhumor Building No. 05 in Asheville, North Carolina. Click to buy a print.

Carved Female Face on the Drhumor Building No. 06 Asheville, North Carolina. Buy a fine art print here.

Sources:

• Asheville Mountain Magic, "Asheville Architecture and History Walk"
• Janet Whitworth, "The Drhumor Building"