Source: Photographs© (2015) by WTL.
The mural: This is sequence shows a giant mural in the Special Collections Grand Reading Room in the Smathers Library, which is titled "History of Learning in Florida" (1953). It was officially dedicated in 1954. The artist is Hollis Holbrook.
The artist: Here is the statement in a brochure about the mural produced by the University Archives Photography Collection at the George A. Smathers Libraries: "Born in Natick, Massachusetts, Hollis H. Holbrook was a faculty member of the University of Florida Art Department and its first chair. In 1953, Holbrook painted the large mural, History of Learning in Florida, in the north end of what is now the Special Collections Grand Reading Room in Smathers Library. In those days, it was the Main Libraries' Humanities Room. Upon its creation the mural became a focal point of the room, above the main entrance that was added the same year. Painted in egg tempera, History of Learning in Florida was designed specifically for the space and in harmony with its surroundings. Holbrook said about the mural, 'the colors and the way it relates to the room are most important.'"
Note: Videos of Holbrook actually painting the work are accessible online at: (a) Part 1 http://bit.ly/1)ExyNK; (b) Part 2 http://bit.ly/1NefDfk; (c) Part 3 http://bit.ly/1Pv0GaT
Tour: to take the virtual tour, click on the first image (#1) or click the right arrow below.