Clinton Federal Building: Lee Murals - Washington DC

State:: WASHINGTON-DC
Site Type:: Art Works, Murals
New Deal Agencies:: Treasury Section of Fine Arts (TSFA), Arts Programs, Federal & Military Operations, Treasury Department
Started:: 1935
Completed:: 1938
Artist:: Doris Lee
Quality of Information:: Very Good
Marked:: Yes
Site Survival:: Extant

Description

The Clinton Federal Building (north) was originally the US Post Office Department headquarters, completed under the New Deal in 1934. It contains a wealth of New Deal artworks commissioned and paid for by the Treasury Section of Fine Arts: 25 murals and 22 sculptural elements (12 bas-reliefs, 2 statues, 8 wood medallions). Most are on postal themes.

Doris Lee painted two large (6′ x 13.5′) murals for the Post Office Department on the theme of “The Development of the Post in the Country.” The two were painted in 1938 and titled, “Country Post” and “General Store.” They hang in the 6th floor of the north wing of the building.

Sarah Gordon comments that, “…during the New Deal era, Rural Free Delivery represented democracy itself: every farmer in the nation had the same privileges of citizenship, including the delivery of mail, as every city dweller. Indeed, mail delivery to rural communities served as a vital conduit of information and a crucial link between urban and rural America. In her murals, Lee includes references to the news, commerce, transportation, and the law while she affectionately portrays familiar details of country life.” (GSA)

The building is presently occupied by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is not freely open to the public. To arrange for a tour of the New Deal murals, email [email protected].