Gregory Allicar Museum of Art Preservation Matting and Storage of Photographs

FAIN: PG-300546-24

Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO 80521-2807)
Suzanne Hale (Project Director: December 2023 to present)

The rehousing of 166 photographs recently gifted to the university’s Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, as well as a workshop on conservation-grade matting and mounting of photographs for the museum’s staff and student interns.

The Gregory Allicar Museum of Art Preservation Matting and Storage of Photographs project will rehouse a 2021 gift of 166 photographs, currently unmatted, in standard size mats stored long-term in Solander cases and flat files. The project focuses on photographs that are utilized for teaching, research, and exhibitions. Selections have already been featured in two exhibitions and another exhibition is planned. Plans to incorporate the collection for photography/photojournalism classes are in progress and interest in the collection has already spanned subject areas across the university, many interested in themes that correlate with the NEH focus area United We Stand: Connecting Through Culture. The project addresses three key challenges a) the need for a small museum staff to efficiently and cost-effectively plan and mount exhibitions; b) accessibility for teaching, research, and education; c) improving collection care to address long-term growth and ensure safe handling during usage.