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Mural painting and decoration

Recordings Related to Thomas Hart Benton's Mural at the Truman Library

Recordings related to artist Thomas Hart Benton, his family, and the creation of his mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West" at the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, MO.

SR64-105-2 is in two parts. It has commentary between Truman Library curator Milton Perry and Thomas Hart Benton. It has extensive recordings of Benton's daughter, Jessie Benton, playing and singing music with her father. They play guitar and harmonica. It also begins a conversation with Benton's wife, Rita Benton.

Interview of Thomas Hart Benton by Milton F. Perry about Creation of the Mural at the Truman Library

Interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton by Harry S. Truman Library museum curator Milton F. Perry about the creation of the Benton Mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," in the lobby of the Truman Library. Benton goes through the history of the area, and describes the visual elements that make up the mural. This recording is also referred to as the oral history of Thomas Hart Benton.

For the official Oral History transcript, see also: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/oral-histories/benton

Color lithograph of the Thomas Hart Benton mural "Independence and the Opening of the West," given out at HST's 77th birthday celebration

Color lithograph of the Thomas Hart Benton mural "Independence and the Opening of the West," which is in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. This lithograph is in a folder which was given out at the 77th birthday celebration of HST on May 8, 1961. The lithograph has been signed by Harry S. Truman and Thomas H. Benton. Original oversize lithograph is in oversize file. See also 2007-242. Reproduction of images of works by Thomas Hart Benton must be approved by VAGA.

Mural sketch, Indian

Pencil sketch of Indian done by Thomas Hart Benton in preparation for his mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The original art was a gift from Mr. Benton to former President Harry S. Truman. The drawing is in the Truman Library Museum Collection.

Preliminary sketch for Benton mural

Preliminary sketch for mural, titled "Truman Mural 1st Preliminary Cartoon 58". Gouache drawing of entire mural on paper. Predellas are cut out and adhered to main drawing. Marked off in pencil in 13/16 inch squares. Sketch includes plaque on mural over doorway. Pencil noted in Benton's hand, "Plaque to be eliminated/note model/door/first sketch-Truman mural/[Title]". Signed bottom right, "BENTON". The size of the original art is 17 1/2 inches by 27 1/4 inches. The original art is in the Truman Library Museum Collection. Donor of object: Thomas Hart Benton Estate.

Benton Mural sketch, "Wagon Wheel"

Inked sketch of wagon wheel done by Thomas Hart Benton in preparation for his mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The sketch is done in brown, black, and white, and titled "Perspective study of wagon wheel Truman L" in the lower left, and signed "BENTON" in the lower right. The size of the original art is 12 1/2 inches by 10 3/4 inches. The original artwork is in the Truman Library Museum Collection. Donor of object: Thomas Hart Benton Estate.

Benton Mural sketch, "Oxen"

Pencil sketch of a pair of yoked oxen, a single ox, and a yoke, drawn by Thomas Hart Benton in preparation for his mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The drawing is signed "BENTON" in the lower right. The size of the original drawing is 13 7/8 inches by 12 inches. The original drawing is in the Truman Library Museum Collection. Donor of object: Thomas Hart Benton Estate.