The Evyan Perfume Mural

         When Dr. Walter Langer, President of Evyan Perfumes undertook the renovation of executive offices at the company's headquarters, he retained the services of the well known interior designer Lady Jane Ashley. The walls of the office area were covered with Dr. Langer's own paintings from his exquisite collection of "white shouldered" women.

           Years ago, Dr. Langer adapted Franz-Xaver Winterhalter's famous painting "Florinda" to Evyan's national advertising of White Shoulders. It had become one of the most admired examples of classic art as a medium for advertising.

            Lady Ashley suggested that a mural of this famous advertisement be painted on the west wall of the open office area. Dr. Langer, who was pleased with the idea, then commissioned Tobey to produce what is surely a rarity by a major national advertiser. The finished mural measures 12 feet wide by 10 feet high.

          The mural was featured in Evyan's internationally distributed newsletter, along with the photographs above about its installation. First (on the left) the wall on which the painting was to be mounted had been primed; then prepared with a coat of special adhesive. It took three men on ladders to unroll and raise the painting. When the mounting was nearly complete (center), the base of the mural was adjusted for perfect alignment. The men, who are specialists, must work quickly to insure smooth results. Finally (right) rechecking the surface, an overall smoothing out by hand was done. Special carpeting leading up to the base of the mural was installed to complement the colors of the forest setting.