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The Georgetown University Art Collection came under the care
of the Library in 1999. Reflecting manifold tastes and collecting
interests, it is quite diverse and includes over 500 paintings,
as well as antique furnishings, sculpture, and objets d’art.
Highlights of the collection are on permanent display in Carroll
Parlor in Healy Hall; many hang on the walls of campus buildings
throughout the University. Some, for which we lack display space
or which are too fragile to be on permanent view, are in vault
storage. Many of you who have read this newsletter for the past
several years enjoy a regular column, “From the Vault,” which
features various works of art in storage or, on occasion, coming
out of storage for display.
University Librarian Artemis G. Kirk and Art
Curator LuLen Walker hang the first painting in the new storage
racks in the Vault.
“The Vault” is not a euphemism; we actually have
three vaults dedicated to special collections. Over the past
several months, I am pleased to report, the Art Vault has been
undergoing a major renovation. Mobile storage racks, resembling
the movable book shelves on the lower level of Lauinger Library,
were installed. Heavy-duty wire mesh panels allow for hooks to
be placed in any necessary configuration to accommodate frames
of varying sizes; the racks will hold approximately two hundred
paintings. A new Healy Hall-wide fire detection and alarm system
benefits not only the Vault but also Carroll Parlor. The Vault’s
incandescent bulb fixtures were replaced with bright fluorescent
panels, markedly increasing the visibility of the room. The yellowing
walls were painted a fresh bright white, enhancing visibility.
New environmental monitors were installed. More flexibly arranged
shelving will soon be added, to store three-dimensional pieces
more efficiently.
It is now much easier to organize and store our paintings, and
space has been freed up to accommodate some of our other objects.
All of us have a renewed appreciation of the treasures comprising
special collections, thanks to the achievement of an overdue
reorganization and renovation of our space.
Information comes in many formats, and irrespective of format
requires care and preservation. A library's mission is to provide
the users of tomorrow with the resources of yesterday and today.
To meet this mission, we must understand the issues, and acquire
the finances necessary, to assure the preservation of information,
culture, and artifact for posterity.
The stewardship of our collections will be enhanced by the environmental
work that has been done, by the new means of mobile "hanging" racks,
and by a preservation plan-a work-in-progressfor the care for
all of our resources. We owe a debt of thanks to the staff of
Special Collections, the preservation officer, the director of
finance and operations, and donors to preservation, for their
work to accomplish the Vault restoration.
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