Last Address

by Jean Richardson

Photo by John Jernigan

In 1976 Jean Richardson was commissioned by the Oklahoma House of Representatives to paint a work of great and historic debate. Last Debate depicts the hearings in which Governor Jack Walton was charged with corruption and general incompetence in 1923. Some historians maintain that the charges were a direct result of the Governor declaring war against the powerful Ku Klux Klan. Richardson researched the matter intensely and completed the large acrylic on canvas painting within four months. In the same year, Richardson was commissioned to paint the first Speaker of the House and later governor of Oklahoma, William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray addressing a session of the House. Last Address (above) pays homage to one of Oklahoman’s most eccentric political figures, a man who during The Great Depression plowed the governor’s mansion lawn so neighbors could plant vegetable gardens.

Last Address by Jean Richardson is located inside the Oklahoma State House of Representatives conference room on the fourth floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol and can be viewed daily from 8:30-5:30 when the House is not in session.

The Artist

Internationally known artist Jean Richardson was born in Hollis, Oklahoma. Richardson obtained a bachelors of fine art degree from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. She also studied at the exclusive Art Students League in New York City. Her lengthy artist resume includes many solo exhibitions across the United States. Her work graces many walls in companies across several different states including Southwestern Bell and Marriott Hotels Corporation, both in Washington D.C. Jean Richardson’s striking abstract and semi-figurative compositions are truly a unique testament to artistic creativity.