Purchase of Archival Storage Furniture for Works on Paper

FAIN: PG-233223-16

Lyman Allyn Art Museum (New London, CT 06320-4130)
Jane LeGrow (Project Director: April 2015 to October 2017)

The purchase of three flat-drawer cabinet units for the storage of drawings, prints, photographs, and other works on paper. The museum holds a collection of American and European art containing over 16,000 objects, 1,800 of which are works of art on paper and consist primarily of prints, drawings, photographs, and watercolors ranging from the Old Masters to contemporary works. Collection highlights include John Singleton Copley’s three studies for the Siege of Gibraltar, Rockwell Kent woodcuts, and 19th-century daguerreotypes of Connecticut whaling captains. The collection serves as a cultural and educational resource for the people of New London and southeastern Connecticut, attracting approximately 20,000 visitors annually.

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut requests $6,000 to support the purchase of three archival-quality Viking flat-drawer cabinet units for the long term storage of drawings, prints, photographs and other works on paper in the permanent collection. A significant proportion of the Museum's approximately 1800 works on paper are currently stored in spatially inefficient and potentially harmful plywood units, in acidic mats, or in cardboard boxes. The collection includes works by 18th and 19th century American and European artists, as well as European Old Master drawings, works by American Modernists and contemporary photography. The requested cabinets would accommodate 250 - 400 works on paper, stored flat in Mylar sleeves and archival folders or in acid-free mats and backings. In support of the Museum's ongoing efforts to improve its collections care, capacity and accessibility, this project would alleviate poor storage situations while freeing up additional space.