On what used to be the University Art Gallery on University of California – Berkeley’s campus is an eye-catching mosaic wall. On it are two arched doors framed by small tiles, and flanked by two tall murals put together with more colorful tiles. These UC-Berkeley mosaic murals are part of the WPA Federal Art project 1936 – 1937, says a labelled tile on that wall.
These murals depicting the arts are said to be in Byzantine style, and created between 1936 and 1937. One makes a picture of a pair of ladies with violins and one with an easel. The other panel has a sculptor and some dancers on it.
The Music and Painting mural was done by Florence Alston Swift, an abstract artist who was born just across the bay, in San Francisco, CA and got her training both on the West and East Coasts. She also worked on the panels that frame the entrances of the building.
The Sculpture and Dancing mural — the one on the right — has been attributed to the Bruton Sisters from Monterey, CA. Helen Bruton known for experimenting with modernism apparently designed this mural. And her sisters Margaret Bruten and Esther Bruton were also part of the project.
According to Jim Wert, project manager working on the transformation of the Old Art Gallery, who spoke to UC Berkeley News:
As only one member could be employed by the WPA at the time, to ensure that the money was spread around the US workforce, “Bruton and her two sisters, Margaret (Marge) and Esther, completed this mural with Helen as the lead artist.” And “Helen shared her pay check equally with her sisters.”
UC Berkeley Mosaic Murals
If you’d like to see these mosaic murals in UC Berkeley for yourself, it is on the red brick building near the campus’ Sproul Hall. (Look for Sproul Hall, Barrow Ln, Berkeley, CA 94704).
It is just beside the parking lot. This brick building is known as the Old Art Gallery and Old Powerhouse. What used to be the University Art Gallery from 1934 – 1970 was before that, the university’s powerhouse.
Wow, fabulous mosaic murals and still looking great 90 years later! Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Dee.