EXHIBIT 99.1






                                  PRESS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                     CONTACT:

Valhi, Inc.                                William C. Timm
5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700               Vice President - Finance
Dallas, TX 75240                             and Administration
                                           (214) 450-4212


                  JAMES G. KILEY NAMED TREASURER OF VALHI, INC.


    DALLAS, TEXAS . . . April 11, 1994 . . . Valhi, Inc., today announced that
James G. Kiley has been named Vice President and Treasurer of the Company.

    Mr. Kiley previously served as Treasurer of Baroid Corporation, a Houston-
based oilfield services company which recently merged with Dresser Industries. 
Prior to joining Baroid, Mr. Kiley held the position of Assistant Treasurer of
NL Industries, Inc.  Mr. Kiley holds a BS in business administration from Seton
Hall University.

    Valhi, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a diversified industrial
management company engaged in the refined sugar, forest products, fast food and
hardware products industries.  Valhi is also engaged in the chemicals and
titanium metals industries through its equity interests in NL Industries and
Tremont Corporation.  Valhi's common stock is traded on the New York and Pacific
Stock Exchanges under the symbol "VHI."