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SOCIAL SECURITY BUILDING

FEDERAL WORKS AGENCY 
PUBLIC BUILDINGS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

IN REPLYING, QUOTE THE ABOVE SUBJECT, BUILDING, AND THESE LETTERS FA   

July 24, 1942

Mr. Ben Shahn
1541 Colonial Terrace
Arlington, Virginia

Dear Ben:

Reference is made to your murals in the Social 
Security Building. I conferred with Mr. Swensen and 
it was our opinion that some protection is now needed 
in back of the booths for the three murals which are in 
danger of chairs and other objects being pushed against them.
It was decided to place small box-like structures with slopping 
tops against the wall in such a way that a view of the murals 
would not be obstructed but the danger of a chair bumping 
into the mural would be eliminated. Further, the young 
ladies working in the booths agreed to use every precaution 
to protect the murals. 

           You have probably noticed the protection board 
which has been placed against the south section of the east 
wall where a small booth has been placed immediately adjacent 
to the long mural. It was felt that the other sections of the 
mural are relatively safe and that no further structures would be placed in the hall unless later developments prove their 
absolute necessity. I hope that the arrangements in question 
meet with your approval.

           You may be sure that this office is as anxious as 
you are to protect your work. 

           Every good wish to you and your family.

Cordially yours, 
Ed Rowan
Edward B. Rowan
Assistant Chief
Section of Fine Arts