Special Collections

Murals at Harcum

The “Murals at Harcum,” designed and painted by Harcum College students, are an extraordinary, oversized collection of art inspired by Martin Zipin. From 1967 to 1987, under Zipin’s guidance, each painting class designed a mural for Klein Hall. Many of the murals are on permanent display in the dining room of Klein Hall. For more information on the Harcum murals, the book, Murals at Harcum, 1967-1987, is available for viewing in the Charles H. Trout Library. 

Zipin Art Collection

Martin Zipin (1920-1991) was an American artist and educator who was a faculty member at Harcum for 38 years. Zipin studied art at Temple University's Tyler School. While at Harcum College, Zipin taught fine arts classes and served as faculty advisor for the student newspaper. Harcum College has a collection of Zipin's work, many pieces are on permanent display in the Trout Library's Strauss Family Rotunda. The collection has a finding aid or you may browse digital images of the paintings. 

Purvis Art Collection

The Purvis Art Collection is a special collection of twenty-six pieces of African and Asian art donated to Harcum College by George Purvis. Materials range from bronze, iron, wood, and fiber.

The majority of the pieces are from West Africa but some pieces are of Asian origin such as the Antique Wooden Santos Statue of St. Rocco, Philippines.

Select pieces are frequenly on display in the Charles H. Trout Library Rotunda. Access to the collection is by appointment.