Murals at Olcott (art work) - Revision history

SysopJ at 19:59, 8 July 2025

2025-07-08T19:59:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 8 July 2025
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	[[File:Mural 2007 from door.jpg\|350px\|right\|thumb\|View from the northeast by the main door, 2007]]		[[File:Mural 2007 from door.jpg\|350px\|right\|thumb\|View from the northeast by the main door, 2007]]
	[[File:South wall from balcony opposite.jpg\|right\|300px\|thumb\|South wall from balcony opposite. Photo by Glenn Kujansuu, 2019.]]		[[File:South wall from balcony opposite.jpg\|right\|300px\|thumb\|South wall from balcony opposite. Photo by Glenn Kujansuu, 2019.]]
	Visitors entering the lobby of the [[L. W. Rogers Building]] at the headquarters of the [[Theosophical Society in America]] are surrounded by murals painted on all four sides of the lobby. '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quNwSxchQ18 "~~The Mural~~ of ~~Olcott~~"]''' is a video presentation of its history and imagery.		Visitors entering the lobby of the [[L. W. Rogers Building]] at the headquarters of the [[Theosophical Society in America]] are surrounded by murals painted on all four sides of the lobby. '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quNwSxchQ18 "Murals at Olcott: Discover the Rich History and Symbolism of a Breathtaking Work of Art"]''' is a video presentation of its history and imagery.

	The work was painted in 1931-1933 by Philadelphia artist [[Richard Blossom Farley]]. At the summer convention in 1930, members authorized the mural project that was proposed by arts patron [[Georgine Shillard-Smith\|Georgine Wetherill Shillard-Smith]]. Mr. Farley visited the headquarters and measured the space. He returned to his studio in Philadelphia where panels were painted, and then he spent several weeks in the Rogers Building while he applied the canvas panels to the walls.		The work was painted in 1931-1933 by Philadelphia artist [[Richard Blossom Farley]]. At the summer convention in 1930, members authorized the mural project that was proposed by arts patron [[Georgine Shillard-Smith\|Georgine Wetherill Shillard-Smith]]. Mr. Farley visited the headquarters and measured the space. He returned to his studio in Philadelphia where panels were painted, and then he spent several weeks in the Rogers Building while he applied the canvas panels to the walls.

SysopJ: /* History */

2025-04-24T19:47:42Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 24 April 2025
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	When one considers the amount of material, work and knowledge required, the price seems inadequate, as Mr. Farley has been working ceaselessly since receiving the commission, and will be much pleased if he can complete it in a year’s time. He must devote himself entirely to this work, not undertaking any other. What a comment this on the small remuneration received by artists! — but how fortunate we are to have so fine an Interpreter of our philosophy...<ref>C. Shillard-Smith, "Headquarters Decoration" ''The Theosophical Messenger'' 18.12 (December, 1930), 267.</ref>		When one considers the amount of material, work and knowledge required, the price seems inadequate, as Mr. Farley has been working ceaselessly since receiving the commission, and will be much pleased if he can complete it in a year’s time. He must devote himself entirely to this work, not undertaking any other. What a comment this on the small remuneration received by artists! — but how fortunate we are to have so fine an Interpreter of our philosophy...<ref>C. Shillard-Smith, "Headquarters Decoration" ''The Theosophical Messenger'' 18.12 (December, 1930), 267.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			[[File:Renovation, 2021.JPG\|right\|250px\|thumb\|Renovation, 2021]]
	The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.		The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.

SysopJ: /* History */

2025-04-24T19:44:53Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:44, 24 April 2025
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	The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.		The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.

	A major renovation of the murals took place in 2021, with the conservation work performed by Parma Conservation, Ltd. of Chicago. Small tears and delaminations were repaired, ant the entire surface was cleaned and sealed.		A major '''renovation of the murals''' took place in 2021, with the conservation work performed by Parma Conservation, Ltd. of Chicago. Small tears and delaminations were repaired, ant the entire surface was cleaned and sealed.

	== Description of murals ==		== Description of murals ==

SysopJ: /* History */

2025-04-24T19:44:32Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:44, 24 April 2025
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	The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.		The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.

			A major renovation of the murals took place in 2021, with the conservation work performed by Parma Conservation, Ltd. of Chicago. Small tears and delaminations were repaired, ant the entire surface was cleaned and sealed.

	== Description of murals ==		== Description of murals ==

SysopJ at 20:42, 24 October 2023

2023-10-24T20:42:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:42, 24 October 2023
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	[[File:Mural 2007 from door.jpg\|350px\|right\|thumb\|View from the northeast by the main door, 2007]]		[[File:Mural 2007 from door.jpg\|350px\|right\|thumb\|View from the northeast by the main door, 2007]]
	[[File:South wall from balcony opposite.jpg\|right\|300px\|thumb\|South wall from balcony opposite. Photo by Glenn Kujansuu, 2019.]]		[[File:South wall from balcony opposite.jpg\|right\|300px\|thumb\|South wall from balcony opposite. Photo by Glenn Kujansuu, 2019.]]
	Visitors entering the lobby of the [[L. W. Rogers Building]] at the headquarters of the [[Theosophical Society in America]] are surrounded by murals painted on all four sides of the lobby. The work was painted in 1931-1933 by Philadelphia artist [[Richard Blossom Farley]]. At the summer convention in 1930, members authorized the mural project that was proposed by arts patron [[Georgine Shillard-Smith\|Georgine Wetherill Shillard-Smith]]. Mr. Farley visited the headquarters and measured the space. He returned to his studio in Philadelphia where panels were painted, and then he spent several weeks in the Rogers Building while he applied the canvas panels to the walls.		Visitors entering the lobby of the [[L. W. Rogers Building]] at the headquarters of the [[Theosophical Society in America]] are surrounded by murals painted on all four sides of the lobby. '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quNwSxchQ18 "The Mural of Olcott"]''' is a video presentation of its history and imagery.

			The work was painted in 1931-1933 by Philadelphia artist [[Richard Blossom Farley]]. At the summer convention in 1930, members authorized the mural project that was proposed by arts patron [[Georgine Shillard-Smith\|Georgine Wetherill Shillard-Smith]]. Mr. Farley visited the headquarters and measured the space. He returned to his studio in Philadelphia where panels were painted, and then he spent several weeks in the Rogers Building while he applied the canvas panels to the walls.

	Mrs. Shillard-Smith described the intent of the artist as "Life Aspiring Through the Ages":		Mrs. Shillard-Smith described the intent of the artist as "Life Aspiring Through the Ages":

SysopJ: /* Photo gallery */

2023-05-18T21:57:56Z

Photo gallery

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 18 May 2023
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	File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928
	File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928
	File:Olcott 017.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931~~-32~~		File:Olcott 017.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall partially painted, 1931
	File:Olcott 023.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931~~-32~~		File:Olcott 023.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall partially painted, 1931
	File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007		File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007
	File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007		File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007

SysopJ: /* Photo gallery */

2023-05-18T15:25:09Z

Photo gallery

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:25, 18 May 2023
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	File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928
	File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928
			File:Olcott 017.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931-32
			File:Olcott 023.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931-32
	File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007		File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007
	File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007		File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007

SysopJ: /* History */

2020-02-06T21:40:34Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:40, 6 February 2020
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages" ~~''World Theosophy'' 1.9 (September, 1931),~~ 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.		The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages," 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.

	== Description of murals ==		== Description of murals ==

SysopJ: /* History */

2020-02-06T21:36:12Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 6 February 2020
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	When one considers the amount of material, work and knowledge required, the price seems inadequate, as Mr. Farley has been working ceaselessly since receiving the commission, and will be much pleased if he can complete it in a year’s time. He must devote himself entirely to this work, not undertaking any other. What a comment this on the small remuneration received by artists! — but how fortunate we are to have so fine an Interpreter of our philosophy...<ref>C. Shillard-Smith, "Headquarters Decoration" ''The Theosophical Messenger'' 18.12 (December, 1930), 267.</ref>		When one considers the amount of material, work and knowledge required, the price seems inadequate, as Mr. Farley has been working ceaselessly since receiving the commission, and will be much pleased if he can complete it in a year’s time. He must devote himself entirely to this work, not undertaking any other. What a comment this on the small remuneration received by artists! — but how fortunate we are to have so fine an Interpreter of our philosophy...<ref>C. Shillard-Smith, "Headquarters Decoration" ''The Theosophical Messenger'' 18.12 (December, 1930), 267.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

			The artist visited for several weeks in 1931 and installed the first panels on the south wall. Mrs. Shillard-Smith wrote a descriptive article about the mural and the artist in September, 1931, entitled '''"Life Aspiring through the Ages."'''<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring Through the Ages" ''World Theosophy'' 1.9 (September, 1931), 707.</ref> The west wall was completed in April, 1933, and by November 2 the east and north panels had been installed. Blossom Farley gave a talk to the Olcott Lodge that day on the symbolism of the murals.<ref>"What Lodges Are Doing" ''The American Theosophist'' 21.12 (December, 1933), 284.</ref>The staff and membership have been delighted with the murals ever since.

	== Description of murals ==		== Description of murals ==

SysopJ at 20:58, 22 August 2019

2019-08-22T20:58:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 22 August 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Mural 2007 from door.jpg\|350px\|right\|thumb\|View from the northeast by the main door, 2007]]		[[File:Mural 2007 from door.jpg\|350px\|right\|thumb\|View from the northeast by the main door, 2007]]
	~~<br>~~		[[File:South wall from balcony opposite.jpg\|right\|300px\|thumb\|South wall from balcony opposite. Photo by Glenn Kujansuu, 2019.]]
	Visitors entering the lobby of the [[L. W. Rogers Building]] at the headquarters of the [[Theosophical Society in America]] are surrounded by murals painted on all four sides of the lobby. The work was painted in 1931-1933 by Philadelphia artist [[Richard Blossom Farley]]. At the summer convention in 1930, members authorized the mural project that was proposed by arts patron [[Georgine Shillard-Smith\|Georgine Wetherill Shillard-Smith]]. Mr. Farley visited the headquarters and measured the space. He returned to his studio in Philadelphia where panels were painted, and then he spent several weeks in the Rogers Building while he applied the canvas panels to the walls.		Visitors entering the lobby of the [[L. W. Rogers Building]] at the headquarters of the [[Theosophical Society in America]] are surrounded by murals painted on all four sides of the lobby. The work was painted in 1931-1933 by Philadelphia artist [[Richard Blossom Farley]]. At the summer convention in 1930, members authorized the mural project that was proposed by arts patron [[Georgine Shillard-Smith\|Georgine Wetherill Shillard-Smith]]. Mr. Farley visited the headquarters and measured the space. He returned to his studio in Philadelphia where panels were painted, and then he spent several weeks in the Rogers Building while he applied the canvas panels to the walls.

	Mrs. Shillard-Smith described the intent of the artist as "Life Aspiring Through the Ages":		Mrs. Shillard-Smith described the intent of the artist as "Life Aspiring Through the Ages":
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	Mr. Farley's ambition is to bring into one focus an impartial suggestion of all life, the past and the avenues that lead to the future, the mysteries that drive the onward multifold manifestations, from the atoms to the suns, the oneness of the endless flowers that bloom and fade on the tree of life, and he believes that the graphic can suggest more than words, for into the million melting tones of color can be woven a fabric too complicated and yet too elemental for words.<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring through the Ages," World Theosophy 1:9 (September, 1931), 707-708.</ref>		Mr. Farley's ambition is to bring into one focus an impartial suggestion of all life, the past and the avenues that lead to the future, the mysteries that drive the onward multifold manifestations, from the atoms to the suns, the oneness of the endless flowers that bloom and fade on the tree of life, and

			he believes that the graphic can suggest more than words, for into the million melting tones of color can be woven a fabric too complicated and yet too elemental for words.<ref>Georgine Wetherill Smith, "Life Aspiring through the Ages," World Theosophy 1:9 (September, 1931), 707-708.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 18 May 2023
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	File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928
	File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928
	File:Olcott 017.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931~~-32~~		File:Olcott 017.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall partially painted, 1931
	File:Olcott 023.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931~~-32~~		File:Olcott 023.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall partially painted, 1931
	File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007		File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007
	File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007		File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:25, 18 May 2023
Line 14:		Line 14:
	File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 2 .jpg\|View from northeast corner before mural, 1928
	File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928		File:Reception Hall 1.jpg\|View from southeast corner before mural, 1928
			File:Olcott 017.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931-32
			File:Olcott 023.jpg\|Glimpse of south wall, 1931-32
	File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007		File:Mural 2007 from balcony.jpg\|View from balcony, 2007
	File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007		File:Mural east wall.jpg\|Detail of east wall, 2007