Mural Conservation
The murals in Seward Park’s lobbies are more than decorative artworks—they are a living record of the cooperative’s values, history, and shared ideals. Created by artist Hugo Gellert, each mural reflects a core belief in human dignity, collective responsibility, and progress, themes that have shaped this community since its beginnings. Over time, these works have faded and become harder to see and read, despite being part of residents’ everyday experience. This conservation effort is focused on carefully preserving the original murals, improving their visibility, and ensuring they remain an integral part of each building’s lobby as renovations move forward.
These murals have watched over Seward Park Housing for more than sixty years. Seen daily but increasingly difficult to read, they remain a defining part of our shared history — and the reason conservation is beginning now.
Created in the early 1960s by artist Hugo Gellert, the murals were designed to express the cooperative values on which this community was founded. Time, light, and daily wear have softened their colors and clarity, making many details hard to see today.
Building 1: Thomas Jefferson — The Rights of Man
Jefferson is shown as the author of independence, representing the belief that human rights are inherent, not granted. He is joined by Thomas Paine, whose words inspired revolution, and Crispus Attucks, whose death reminds us that freedom has always required sacrifice.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”
This quotation appears beneath Jefferson in the lobby but is now difficult to read. The same lettering has been digitized for this website, preserving the original Seward typeface used in the murals.
Building 2: Abraham Lincoln — The Unity of People
Lincoln is depicted confronting the injustice of slavery. Frederick Douglass and John Brown stand beside him, representing both moral leadership and sacrifice. Shackled hands recall the past, while children of different races point toward a more united future.
“In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free.”
Like the others, this quote has faded over time. Restoring legibility allows residents to reconnect with the words that once anchored the space.
Building 3: Franklin D. Roosevelt — The Four Freedoms
Roosevelt represents a broader vision of democracy — one that includes economic security and peace. Symbols throughout the mural reflect Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear, ideas that deeply resonated with the union families who built this cooperative.
Building 4: Albert Einstein — The Power of Reason
Einstein is portrayed not only as a scientist, but as a humanist. His presence speaks to the importance of knowledge, responsibility, and adaptability in a world shaped by rapid change and new technology.
Over the decades, colors have faded and surface damage has accumulated. Historic photographs from the early 1960s show the murals with far greater clarity and depth. These images help guide conservation efforts, offering insight into how the murals can be revealed again — not replaced.
The conservation approach focuses on preserving the original artwork through careful cleaning, repair, and stabilization. New lobby layouts, lighting, and finishes are being designed to work with each mural — improving visibility while respecting the history each one carries.