Alice Mural Rediscovered in Hardy Tower

Albert J. Lewis-Creator of
Alice in Wonderland mural 

San Diego State University has a very intimate relationship with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that has only recently been rediscovered after almost thirty years. In the already  fantastical stairwell of iconic Hardy Tower, a mural depicting characters from Carroll’s famous work have begun to be restored in an effort to rectify their being painted over in the 1980’s.

Stairwell where mural
was painted over

San Diego State alumnus Albert J. Lewis (’49, ’55), a retired San Diego artist and educator has been identified as the creator of the mural by Lewis’s daughter, Mary Jane Lewis-Conlon. The eighty-eight year old artist was disappointed to learn his work had been painted over, but is thrilled that restoration attempts have begun.

As of just weeks ago, the mural has been deemed “stabilized,” having had the covering paint removed. However, as Dr. Seth Mallios, Chair of the department of Anthropology stated, “there is still a second phase of conservation (for this summer) that will include in-painting and restoring it to its original glory.”  Once it is restored, a replica of the mural will be painted in the Children’s Literature section of the Love Library where it will be unveiled in fall 2015 for the 150^th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

On Thursday, February 26^th, members of the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser cast and crew will have the opportunity to view the mural in the Hardy Tower guided by mural expert Dr. Mallios.

Mural as it looked from its creation in the late 1940's or early 50's until it was painted over in the 80's