Beall Mosaic Mural

This 315-square-foot mosaic mural depicts the natural resources and industry of Washington State: atomic power, aviation, logging, shipyards, hydroelectric dams, wildlife, rivers, and agriculture. Commissioned by the State Capitol Committee in 1956, the piece was completed in 1959 and installed in the General Administration Building. 

About the artist

The artist, Jean C. Beall (1909-1978), was an American who studied art and mosaics worldwide, including Washington, Paris, and Mexico. She received several public commissions for mosaics in her career. Her public works are found in museums, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Erco Co. in Washington DC. Beall was an early proponent for "one percent for art" within public construction budgets, and in 1961 was selected by Governor Albert Rosellini to serve on the State’s inaugural Arts Commission. Her design commission was selected from eight designs and cost $12,880 in 1959 to produce. The design was created in watercolor, then produced in Italy under her supervision of the cutting and assembly. 

Moving the mural

In 2018, the mural was relocated to the Helen Sommers Building. The move presented a logistical challenge, as the mural was directly attached to a wall and had to be moved in one solid piece. Windows were removed temporarily from each building to allow the mural to pass out of the old building and into the new building.

The moving of the mural is a monumental feat of historic and artistic preservation, and the piece can now be enjoyed in the Helen Sommers building for years to come.