More Millard Sheets bank mural adventures - these were spotted over the summer in and around LA County.

Sheets may be best known to many for his mosaic artwork, many at the branches of the former Home Savings Banks.

Though not a licensed architect, he designed buildings - commercial, residential and spiritual, collaborating with other architects. Sheets approach to incorporate regional artwork into the design of his buildings defined his architectural work. For more on Millard Sheets and links to his projects visit the LA Conservancy website at this link HERE.

Rolling HIlls Estates-Rancho Palos Verdes Home Savings Bank (now Chase Bank), see gallery above

After an LAX airport dropoff, I ventured south to view the Sheets mural and artwork at this bank branch which was quite a treat. In addition to the mural, there was a leaping dolphins sculpture and stained glass inside. I recommend reading this wonderful article Banking on Beauty: Rolling Hills Estates-Rancho Palos Verdes by Adam Arenson.

Beverly Hills

Within the City of Beverly Hills there are currently three Millard Sheets designed artwork installation sites that are visible to the public. Two locations are banks and the third is located on the west‐facing wall of the Civic Center parking structure 5 adjacent the public library and across the street from City Hall. Details in the descriptions below were drawn from Cultural Heritage Commission Reports prepared for the city

Chase Bank Beverly Hills, 9245 Wilshire Boulevard

The mosaic situated over the main entrance represents the family, homeownership, and community. Dated 1955, the mosaic was completed with the assistance of James E. Michalski and Ronald Gerber, two employees of Sheets’ design studio.

Two eight foot tall bronze group sculptures each set on pedestals flank the entry and were the work of Renzo Fenci of Santa Barbara. The group sculpture to the left (west) portrays a father and son and the group on the right (east) depicts a mother and daughter.

On the interior of the bank building the theme of the artwork depicts various forms of barter, money, and the history of banking from the Sumerians to the Renaissance. Set in front of the large windows along the walls of the first floor lobby area are colorful stained glass windows planned by Sheets and executed with the assistance of Margaret Montgomery. Large etched glass panels that depict the history of banking and finances were also conceived by Sheets and carved by Leonard Carriere with the glass made by the Wallis‐Wiley Studio in Pasadena. Though not visible to the public, the executive suite on the second floor has a lion mosaic, the trademark logo of Ahmanson that was done by Jean Ames and an enamel on copper design of a hunter by Arthur Ames.

First Bank and Trust, 9145 Wilshire Boulevard

Located just two blocks east of the former Home Savings and Loan building discussed above, this modest two‐story bank building was constructed in 1959 as the Ahmanson Bank and Trust. The marble clad, classically inspired structure was designed by Millard Sheets in association with architect S. David Underwood who was a member of Sheets’ design studio. Rectangular in plan with an extended porte‐cochere off its east elevation the property initially featured a fountain, indoor‐outdoor reflecting pool, round elevator, and interior and exterior artwork. This location features two large elongated entry panel mosaics, sculptural screens, and interior wall murals and stained glass.

The mosaic on the left depicts an image of a man and boy fishing while the mosaic on the right illustrates a group of women and girls in a tree with birds. Along the east side of the building are two uniquely designed concrete screens that help to diffuse visibility into the lobby area of the bank and also provides decorative interest to this elevation. The screens depict a modernistic interpretation of a tall tree with branches, leaves, and flying birds. I especially appreciated this architectural detail.

Though I could not view the interior, I read that the thematic design of the “tree of life” is also complemented on the interior of the building by the use of stained glass panels and inlaid wood elements.

Civic Center parking structure 5

The Millard Sheets mural installed onto the west‐facing wall of the Civic Center Parking Structure (Parking Structure 5) in mid‐2013 was originally located on the wall of the motor court of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (9500 Wilshire Boulevard).

As a complement to the motor court, Hernando Courtright, the owner of the hotel at the time contacted Millard Sheets to create a large mosaic to welcome guests as they entered the hotel upon exiting their automobiles. Completed in 1974, the mosaic, measuring approximately 15 feet by 31 feet, was executed on large marble panels and crafted to depict an early California scene with a noble Caballero and his lady on horseback. The mosaic holds five figures, with two ladies and a young girl watching the pair on horseback traverse through a forest setting. The ornate patterns on the dresses show the intricate craftwork of Sheets’ studio mosaicists Denis O’Connor and Nancy Colbath.

In 1985, ownership of the hotel changed and additional renovations were planned. The mosaic was removed in 1987, presented to the City as a gift, and then placed in storage until an acceptable location and funding could be found to re‐ install the art piece.

Chase Bank Highland Park, 5700 N Figueroa St

The Highland Park Chase Bank is relatively close to where I live and has two exterior murals which I took photos of during a quick drive by. Unfortunate for mural viewers, the mural on the Ave 57 side of the building is divided by the awning providing shade to ATM users.

Chase Bank Arcadia, 60 E Huntington Dr

Not far from the Santa Anita Racetrack, Chase Bank Arcadia features an exterior mural made in 1960 with three recreational horseback riders. Through the front doors, I glimpsed decorative stained glass

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Millards Sheets Adventures - Part 2