Posted 9 years ago
Ted_Straub
(952 items)
This large mural graces the Kingston, PA post office. The art work coincides with the building's cornerstone of 1938. I don't know if the building was a WPA (Works Project Administration) development, but the art work was.
The WPA encouraged artists and writers during the Depression years.
The image looks brighter on the left as the illumination on the right side was not working. This work depicts the area's dominant industry of those years, which was Anthracite mining.
Because this mural is in an elevated position, I can not tell if it is a fresco, or if it is on a canvas. Unfortunately, I could not se the artist's name, either.
The postal worker was kind enough to grant me permission to photograph this artwork….. I am indebted to him for that, in addition to being most thankful…...!
A 1941 Section of Fine Arts-funded tempera painting titled “Anthracite Coal” was painted by George Harding and hangs in the post office lobby.
http://livingnewdeal.org/projects/post-office-mural-kingston-pa/
Why, Dave, that is so kind of you to have looked that up! I am very thankful for your input!
Hi, v-50…thanks for the love!
Hi, aghcollect….thank you for the love!
I should have mentioned this, but one of the reasons that I photographed this mural is because the post office is being remodeled, and will soon share this space with a bank.
I feared that in the process, the painting would be destroyed, but the postal clerk said that it would be incorporated into the new, smaller area to be occupied by the post office.
That building was always so interesting, but earlier expansions, cropping of its big windows and other architectural moves that didn't fit, made it sort of tacky. The interior, except for the windows, was left rather intact….marble floors, hardwood vestibule, brass post office boxes and bulletin board construction all are still inspiring.
Maybe if the reconstruction involves getting rid of some of that, I could ask about acquiring some of that creation…...
You're welcome!
Perhaps just the part with the train.
Hmm…that's a good idea, Dave….I'll let you know how it goes!!
Thanks, aghcollect!
Hi, fort apache…thank you for the love!
Good day, racer4four….thank you for the love!
Hi, val, I appreciate the love!
Hey, Trey…thank you for the love!
Thank you, Sean!