Murals of the Merchant Exchange Building

 Posted by on January 25, 2016
Jan 252016
 

465 California Street
Financial District

Murals of the Merchant Exchange Building

Julia Morgan was responsible for the artistic elements, under architect Willis Polk, in the Merchant Exchange Building.

William A. Coulter Murals

Miss Morgan chose William A. Coulter, the leading marine artist of his time to fill the bays between the marble and bronze columns in what is now a bank lobby.

Arrived All Well

Arrived All Well was chosen by the U.S. Post Office for the 23 cent stamp in 1923

William Alexander Coulter, (March 7, 1849 – March 13, 1936) was a native of Glenariff, County Antrim, in what is today Northern Ireland. He became an apprentice seaman at the age of 13, and after seven years at sea, came to settle in San Francisco in 1869.  A marine illustrator for the San Francisco Call, Coulter has been credited with virtually recording the entire history of maritime shipping in Northern California in his over 5000 paintings.

The five murals in the bank represent Port Costa, Honolulu Harbor and the San Francisco Bay, including the Golden Gate prior to the bridge being built.

  One Response to “Murals of the Merchant Exchange Building”

  1. Those are stunning.

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