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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

Whether it’s something happening right now or something that happened 100 years ago, some stories don’t fit in the short few minutes of a newscast. As a podcast producer and reporter at KCUR Studios, I help investigate questions and local curiosities in a way that brings listeners along for adventures with plot twists and thought-provoking ideas. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer in the end – but my hope is that we all leave with a greater understanding of the city we live in. Reach 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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