Hill Memorial Library
Yet a part of Hill’s history is neglected and has a common history with the Allen Hall murals. One of Conrad Albrizio’s students, Ben Porter Watkins, created an exterior fresco that faced the north corridor of Allen Hall.
Watkins created his mural to depict the struggle between the mighty and the weak; an apt subject matter that reflected the troubling rise of authoritarianism in the mid-20th century. In his own words, he states, “Consequently, I conceived as important and appropriate subject matter the plight of the weak, being oppressed by the selfishly strong and the elements of chance in society; that is might defeating individual rights.”[1]
Watkins’ mural depicts a tall, strong man carrying a sword with a female counterpart standing above other people. These people are shown as feeble creatures, living in the shadow of the “strong man”.
Watkins’ mural was torn down by university officials only a year after its completion in 1940.
Watkins explained that the officials thought that the mural should be torn down because it was “an anti-military statement”.[2] Considering the storied connection of LSU to the U.S. military, this excuse made by university officials to tear down the mural may seem justified.
Yet Watkins argued that the mural was “an indictment of Hitler and the other European war-lords that were screaming around back then.”[3]
While the mural is torn down, it is interesting that there once was a piece resembling socialist art in the heart of the Deep South. It is a reminder that the South contributed a great array of cultural treasures to the rest of American society.
[1] Watkins, Ben Porter. “Execution of an Exterior Mural in Fresco : [On the South Exterior Wall of the Hill Memorial Library],” no. 960336 (1940). pg. 4
[2] Gruse, Douglas M. “The Art of Social Consciousness.” LSU Magazine, Baton Rouge, La., pg. 44
[3] Gruse, Douglas M. “The Art of Social Consciousness.” LSU Magazine, Baton Rouge, La., pg. 44