KODE-TV officials on July 8, 2010 presented the city of Joplin with significant items related to the Thomas Hart Benton mural that hangs in the main lobby of City Hall. The artifacts are from the estate of long-time Joplin journalist Bob Phillips, pictured at right, who is considered an icon of broadcast journalism.
In 1972, Phillips teamed up with Karl Lee, a photographer and co-worker at KODE, to produce the documentary, “Thomas Hart Benton – The Last Mural.” Its focus was on the life of Benton and how he was enticed out of retirement to paint “Joplin at the Turn of the Century”, his last big masterpiece. The program also shows rare glimpses of Benton’s process in researching and detailing the scenes depicted in the mural relating to the early 1900s, that was dedicated in March 1973 to recognize the city’s centennial celebration.
Larry Meacham stands at a podium in the lobby of the Joplin City Hall in front of the Thomas Hart Benton mural owned by the city.
Larry Meacham, Phillips’ former news director, recognized the significance of both men’s talent at that time as well as today, noting that they were “masters of their work.”
“There have been at least two generations who have not seen this unique documentary, which some have claimed to be Benton’s last official interview,” said Meacham. “Citizens of Joplin, historians, artists, friends and students of the arts, will all benefit from watching ‘The Last Mural’ that captures the essence of this inspiring artist and his gift that Joplin was so fortunate to receive.”
The nearly hour long program shows various interviews Phillips conducted with the artist. During one of these, Benton describes how he ultimately became an artist from his early years as a young man in Joplin.
Phillips was a perfectionist, according to Meacham, and many in the community recognized the quality of work he would provide during his in-depth segments.
"The Last Mural" was originally shot and mastered on film. It was later dubbed to two-inch video tape. This master tape was discovered among Phillips’ belongings shortly after his death. Due to current limitations in the broadcast industry, the two-inch tape was re-mastered to a digital format for today’s technology.
At left, Joplin Mayor Mike Woolston receives a photo of Thomas Hart Benton that was taken in Benton's studio during the painting of his last mural. The presentation of the print was made by Ted Easley, KODE-TV fellow broadcaster and long-time friend of the late Bob Phillips from whose estate it was rescued. At right is a partial view of the photograph..
Wally Kennedy, left, reporter for the Joplin Globe, interviews Darin McCann, a cameraman for KODE-TV, who at the station had found Bob Phillips' interview tape of Thomas Hart Benton. McCann, who spent time with the ailing Phillips, was responsible for turning over the artifacts after Phillips' death to John Hoffman, general manager of KODE-TV and KSNF-TV, who donated them to the city of Joplin. Kennedy's article may be found here
Phillips kept some of the items he acquired during the project, including three which were added to the “Making of the Mural” exhibit found on the city hall mezzanine. The items include a letter from Benton signed to Phillips, a first-issue postcard, and a signed black and white photograph of Benton in his studio.
Phillips worked at KODE-TV for a number of years producing over 500 in-depth segments of the “Phillips File” focusing on local people and history, as well as several documentaries before retiring in 2000 from his broadcast reporting career. He died earlier this year.
Citizens may view the Benton mural and the “Making of the Mural” exhibit at Joplin City Hall, 602 South Main, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, except major holidays.
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