| Frederick Alexander Pawla's Invisible Mural: Home | ||||
| Burlingame's Murals: Where Do They Belong? Elsewhere By PRUDY SHEPHERD and MARK SHOWEN Earlier this year two articles appearing in the Burlingame High School newspaper discussed the dreary appearance of the school's hallways. Soon after, when the decision was made to repaint the halls, a committee was formed, including students and faculty who had previously expressed an interest in such a project. Rather than simply brush on a fresh coat of green paint, the committee hoped to implement an interesting design and color scheme. Scott Johnson and John Miller, graduates of Burlingame High School and professional graphic designers, were contacted and generously agreed to assist in the planning. With the help of Scott and John the committee developed a plan which would be consistent throughout the school and of lasting appeal. This plan included not only a variety of basic wall colors, but interesting graphics to be produced by the students. The district painters have already begun work and the basic color scheme looks great! Most people are pleased with the change in atmosphere. Recently, however, a small group of students and teachers became upset over the fact that the murals now occupying the wall space in the main entry hall of the building were to be moved to a different place in the school. These murals have some historic value because they were painted by a WPA artist during the Depression, but it is doubtful that moving them to a different wall will destroy their historic value. The entry way is the focal point of the school and important to the new scheme. This space should be used to establish a type of design which will be consistent with the rest of the school. The people now opposing this decision seem to have a few serious misconceptions. First, though the exact graphics are not precisely determined, it should be known that they are not 1973 faddish designs, as suggested by those who both misunderstood and even failed to ask for an explanation of the plans. These people are also incorrect in their belief that the murals cannot be relocated. Though the paintings belong to the Treasury Department (on loan to Burlingame) we have assurance that they may be kept in the school, no matter on what wall they hang. The historic value of these murals will be preserved regardless of their location at Burlingame and the wall space left will be more effectively used to establish the consistent design of the school. The BHS Hall Beautification Committee would appreciate your comments and suggestions. Hillsborough Boutique & Villager, April 3, 1973 |
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| Frederick Alexander Pawla's Invisible Mural: Home | ||||