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GOLDEN STATE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Adams Boulevard at Western Avenue
Los Angeles 18, California

Verna A. Hickman
Public Relations Administrator

RE 1-1131  August, 1952

MURALS ON CALIFORNIA HISTORY

Artists Hale Woodruff and Charles Alston were commissioned in 1948 to paint the murals portraying the history of the Negro in California for Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company's home office, Adams Boulevard at Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California.

The extensive research which forms the basis of selection of the mural subjects was done by Miss Miriam Matthews, Los Angeles Librarian, and Mr. Titus Alexander of Los Angeles, authority on Negro history.* Artists Woodruff and Alston, however, came to California in August of 1948 to visit locales of the historical events, examine original records in state libraries and museums to check on the authenticity of information set forth in the research already compiled. Sketchbooks were filled with drawings of native rocks, flowers, terrain, costumes, art and equipment of the early periods.

Following the tour, a conference was held with the researchers and company officials to select the mural subjects. Each artist also chose the period he would portray in his panel--Mr. Alston selecting "exploration and colonization;" Mr. Woodruff, "settlement and development."

The murals, unveiled during the opening week ceremonies of the new life insurance building (August 19-28, 1949), cover two panels, 16'5"x9'3 1/4". They were placed in the lobby of the building fitted in above lower walls of Roman Travertine which was shipped directly from Italy.

The artists worked very closely with Architect Paul R. Williams to have the colors and style of the murals in harmony with the architecture of the building and decorative design of the lobby. The result is a remarkably beautiful blend of art and architecture.

Other outstanding art in the lobby of the building is a bronze bust of the company's founder, the late William Nickerson Jr, by Sculptor Richmond Barthe.

*(Mr. Alexander died in July, 1952 at the age of 82) 

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