Up To Date

Newly Discovered Photographs Depict Thomas Hart Benton At Work

By Steve Kraske,

Published January 28, 2021 at 2:51 PM CST

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Thomas Hart Benton examines a study for his mural ‘Trading at Westport Landing.’ All Images © Michael Mardikes 2021 — Thomas Hart Benton examines a study for his mural ‘Trading at Westport Landing’ commissioned by members of The River Club, a private club in Kansas City. Photograph © Michael Mardikes 2021

For decades, exclusive photos of the famed Kansas City painter at work in his Kansas City studio sat in a box completely hidden from view of the public until now.

It wasn't until photographer Nick Vedros received them from his uncle that their existence became known. The photographs paint an intimate portrait of the prolific painter who once called Kansas City home.

Nick Vedros, photographer, Kansas City
Steve Sitton, director, Thomas Hart Benton Home State Historic Site

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Up To Date Thomas Hart Benton photography historic preservation history Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)Podcast

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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