Mural painting and decoration

Artist Thomas Hart Benton (right) shows color sketch of proposed mural for the lobby of the Truman Library to former President Harry S. Truman (left). In the background on the right is Thomas Jay, regional commissioner for the General Services Administration.

Thomas Hart Benton (upper right, on scaffolding) working on his mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The other man is local artist Sidney Larson.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and artist Thomas Hart Benton on scaffolding at the Harry S. Truman Library. Mr. Truman paints a bit on Mr. Benton's mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Truman Library.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and Thomas Hart Benton standing in the doorway in the center of Benton's mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Copies of Thomas Hart Benton papers on proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library.

Copies of Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library.

Copy of page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library.

Copy of page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library. This page discusses the historical justification of the mural.

Copy of a page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library. This page is a description of the mural by section.

Copy of a page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library. This page includes a list of technical problems, a study of the mural themes, and consideration of technical conditions with conclusions.