THE INVENTIVE PROGRESS OF MAN - 1960
A four-panel mosaic mural located behind the Bell Library circulation desk, this work depicts 26 inventions and discoveries. A key to the iconography is framed and set by the mosaic. “The figures on the left-hand side of the mural depict innovations made before recorded history; those on the right represent modern discoveries, which are often attributed to specific individuals. The center symbol consisting of two triangles, symbolizes the printing press, given the most prominent placement in the mural because of its importance to the history of libraries.” [1]
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4411 East Gage Avenue, Bell City Library, Bell, CA 90201
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1960
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Marion J. Varner
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Natural stone, cork
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11 ft. x 12 ft
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Unknown
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Los Angeles County
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In situ and in good condition.
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TVS digital records.
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Also known as Twenty-Six Great Inventions, this work is part of the Los Angeles County Art Collection. After working in Italian glass for the mosaic Fire, Water and Earth (1957), his graduation piece for the Otis Art Institute of LA County, Van Sant began experimenting with natural stone and rock, including for the Tree of Life at the San Merino Congregational Church (1959).
Although he specialized “in police and detention facilities,” [2] Pasadena-based architect Marion J. Varner was also responsible for the Torrance Civic Center (1956).
[1] LA County Arts, Civic Art Collection[2] Marion Varner Obituary, Los Angeles Times, April 12, 2005
