Workers remove one of the Spafford murals. (Photos courtesy Washington State Archives)

In the long history of Olympia’s Legislative Building, you’d be hard-pressed to think of a more controversial set of artwork that once graced (some would say disgraced) its walls than the Spafford murals.

Called the Twelve Labors of Hercules, they were created by artist Michael Spafford. Soon after the first murals appeared on the walls above the House Gallery in 1981, critics voiced displeasure over them. Some called them too abstract and unfitting of the traditional art usually seen in Capitol buildings. Others thought they contained sexual overtones or were too disturbing.

Artist Michael Spafford sitting in front of his murals in the House Gallery.

Before all of the murals were unveiled, the Legislature in 1982 voted to tear down or cover the murals. When it came time for the murals to come down, the Department of General Administration discovered there was no way to remove the panels without damaging them. So they were covered up for several years before finally being removed — without being damaged — in 1993. The Spafford murals were placed in storage for 10 years. In 2003, the murals were moved to Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre, where they stand today.

The 1993 photos showing the Spafford murals being removed are the third Archives Treasure for June. We’ll start an online poll later this week so you and others can choose your favorite among this month’s three contestants.