Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx County Historical Society have partnered on a new publication highlighting the historic artwork within The Bronx County Building.
“The Bronx County Building’s Historic Murals: An Artistic Legacy,” a joint publication of both The Bronx County Historical Society and the Bronx Borough President’s Office, provides an in-depth examination of the artistic value of the historic Bronx County Building, as well as the recently restored murals that depict The Bronx’s settlement and early growth that hang in Veterans’ Memorial Hall.
The publication was written by Bronx Borough Historian Lloyd Ultan, with photos by award-winning photographer Robert Benimoff.
The publication can be viewed at https://on.nyc.gov/2LJCynw. Hard copies also available at the Office of The Bronx Borough President and the Bronx County Historical Society.
“This publication offers a wonderful look at the artistry and history within The Bronx County Building, and I am proud to have partnered with the Bronx County Historical Society, Professor Ultan and Mr. Benimoff on its publication,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“The story of the artwork in the Bronx County building has never been explored before. The murals are an artistic and historic treasure. The artist was a major muralist in his day and the murals depict four incidents in the development of the Bronx. They deserve to be seen and appreciated,” said Lloyd Ultan, Bronx Borough Historian and author of the new publication.
“I’m honored to have been able to add another way for people to see these beautiful murals. Their historical significance to The Bronx deserves to be seen by as many people as possible,” said Robert Benimoff, whose photography graces the pages of this new publication.
The murals had been damaged during construction in the building in 2010, and were restored in partnership with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. The restored works were unveiled last year at a celebration to kick-off Bronx Week 2017.
The photos in the publication represent the first time in the public record that the murals were photographed in their original state without the intrusion of columns. They can be viewed at https://flic.kr/s/aHskEZuEFC.