Saving Neverlandia

James Talbot, owner, and artist of Casa Neverlandia, has seen Austin change from a world of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” to a city of big business. Since he moved here, Talbot and other local artists have worked to create art and to keep Austin weird, but today, Talbot feels the city has different priorities. 

After graduating from Rice University with a bachelor's in architecture, Talbot moved to Austin and bought what would eventually be known as “Casa Neverlandia.” Through decades of renovations and additions, he has transformed the 1917 home into the fine art studio and art house it is today.

James Talbot stands outside his house on Milton Street, two blocks from South Congress Ave. Talbot offers tours of the house, which has become a standing art piece located in rapidly gentrifying Austin.

James Talbot stands outside his house on Milton Street, two blocks from South Congress Ave. Talbot offers tours of the house, which has become a standing art piece located in rapidly gentrifying Austin.

The recent build at 310 W Milton St. stands directly across Casa Neverlandia, one of the many houses rapidly replacing historic Austin homes.

The recent build at 310 W Milton St. stands directly across Casa Neverlandia, one of the many houses rapidly replacing historic Austin homes.

Talbot in his art studio located in the back of his house. All of his art pieces are created in his self sufficient studio, which he built in the early 1990’s.

Talbot in his art studio located in the back of his house. All of his art pieces are created in his self sufficient studio, which he built in the early 1990’s.

Talbot works on his latest project, a hand beaded tapestry of a rainbow moth. TA tapestry such as this can take hundreds of hours of work to complete one.

Talbot works on his latest project, a hand beaded tapestry of a rainbow moth. TA tapestry such as this can take hundreds of hours of work to complete one.

Above his small beading workstation hangs pictures of friends, inspirations, and muses that inspire him to create his art.

Above his small beading workstation hangs pictures of friends, inspirations, and muses that inspire him to create his art.

Talbot holds a bead next to an art piece located in his home gallery, which showcases his pieces of art for sale.

Talbot holds a bead next to an art piece located in his home gallery, which showcases his pieces of art for sale.

Talbot in his bedroom and office, two rooms original to his house built in 1906. “This was the original bedroom, that for 17 years, I slept in this loft,” Talbot said.

Talbot in his bedroom and office, two rooms original to his house built in 1906. “This was the original bedroom, that for 17 years, I slept in this loft,” Talbot said.

His loft, which still holds his old mattress and is still above his office desk. It is one of the original features of his house.

His loft, which still holds his old mattress and is still above his office desk. It is one of the original features of his house.

Talbot adding to his art piece for his girlfriend of 6 years. He adds a ring every Christmas, Valentines, and Birthday they spend together.

Talbot adding to his art piece for his girlfriend of 6 years. He adds a ring every Christmas, Valentines, and Birthday they spend together.

Talbot works on his art piece besides his tools and older art pieces in the living room.

Talbot works on his art piece besides his tools and older art pieces in the living room.

Talbot grabs a compass from his studio and tests its use in his kitchen. His kitchen is filled with bright colors and the design was solidified early in his life at Casa Neverlandia.

Talbot grabs a compass from his studio and tests its use in his kitchen. His kitchen is filled with bright colors and the design was solidified early in his life at Casa Neverlandia.

Talbot gives a tour to six people on Nov. 20, 2022. His tours go over the history of his house, creative architecture and inspirations behind its design.

Talbot gives a tour to six people on Nov. 20, 2022. His tours go over the history of his house, creative architecture and inspirations behind its design.

A tour attendee looks at his staircase leading to his third floor bedroom which was added in 1998. Talbot added the “bali-inspired” second floor and third floor bedroom 17 years after moving into the house.

A tour attendee looks at his staircase leading to his third floor bedroom which was added in 1998. Talbot added the “bali-inspired” second floor and third floor bedroom 17 years after moving into the house.

An attendee walks across the bridge on a tour of the house on Nov. 20, 2022.

An attendee walks across the bridge on a tour of the house on Nov. 20, 2022.

Talbot showcases his view of the Downtown Austin from his home built, 35 foot tall tower. He created the tower to view the ever-changing skyline.

Talbot showcases his view of the Downtown Austin from his home built, 35 foot tall tower. He created the tower to view the ever-changing skyline.

Talbot in his living room. His home has become a sanctuary for artists, locals and tourists alike.

Talbot in his living room. His home has become a sanctuary for artists, locals and tourists alike.