The Inventive Progress of Man wall mosaic consists of four contiguous panels made of stone and inlaid cork. It is situated directly behind the circulation desk in the Bell Library. The mosaic contains images which represent 26 important inventions and discoveries in human history. The figures on the left side of the mural depict innovations made before recorded history; those on the right represent more modern discoveries, which are often attributed to specific individuals. The center symbol consisting of two triangles, symbolizes the printing press, given the most prominent placement in the mural because of its importance to the history of libraries. The mural was installed in 1960 and a printed key to the symbols can be found nearby, framed and hung on a wall.
See Tom Van Sant, Body of Knowledge
and Tom Van Sant, Flight
About the Artist: Tom Van Sant has created over sixty public murals and sculptures. His artwork can be found throughout southern California as well as internationally, including in the Honolulu, Taipei, and Los Angeles airports. Van Sant was born in Los Angeles in 1931. He received a BA from Stanford University, a MFA from Otis Art Institute, and a MA in Environmental Arts and Sciences from Goddard College. Two other Van Sant artworks are held in Los Angeles County’s Collection, Body of Knowledge at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library and Flight at the Huntington Park Library.