May 13, 2005

Cooley Mural Taken Down

Thomas M. Cooley Law School bid a sad farewell yesterday to the “Big Four” mural that adorned the south wall of its Temple Building. After five years of outdoor life, the mural fell victim to the strong winds on Thursday. Because the 2,000 pound work of art was extensively damaged and presented a danger to adjoining property and utilities, it was removed.

The mural was a faithful reproduction of an oil painting that was donated many years ago to the State Bar of Michigan. The painting, which was recently restored, now hangs in the Michigan Hall of Justice. The mural featured Justice Thomas M. Cooley and his three famous brethren who served on the Michigan Supreme Court from 1868 to 1875 — Justices James Campbell, Benjamin Graves, and Isaac Christiancy.

The idea for a mural was suggested by the late Ed Blackman, a former Cooley staff person, to Cooley founder and president Thomas E. Brennan, who selected the Big Four reproduction as the image. The 60 by 90 foot mural was painted on vinyl by local artist Tony Hendrick, a venture that took about four months. The painting was hung on April 29, 2000.

“Unfortunately, this tribute to the four members of the Michigan Supreme Court who were nationally renowned for their insightful decisions and intellectual leadership will no longer grace our building,” said Cooley Associate Dean Helen Mickens. “While we are disappointed to see it go,” she added, “we are happy that the painting offered inspiration to our students and demonstrated both the majesty and humanity of the law during its time.”

For further information about the portrait, please visit Cooley’s Web site at www.cooley.edu or the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society’s website at www.micourthistory.org and click on the spring 2005 newsletter.