A New View of the Curtis Collection

The Library Art Committee is beginning to install digital reproductions from Edward S. Curtis's The North American Indian in the administrative hallway. The originals are photogravure prints that were published between 1907 – 1930 in text volumes and portfolios, containing 2,226 images of Native American life. Fewer than 300 sets were published. A complete original set is housed in the Northwestern University Library's McCormick Library of Special Collections.

In August, 2007, the Art Committee submitted a proposal to the Administrative Committee for presenting and locating artwork in the Library. This included displaying more digital imagery in select public areas. Initially, the Curtis reproductions were proposed for installation in the Ver Steeg Lounge. Upon visual layout, their wonderful detail was lost in the vastness of the room's architecture. The North American Indian images invite the viewer to draw close to them, inspect them, and study their intricacies. It was decided to install a select set in a viewing area that would allow just this vantage point, and select another piece of artwork (a painting), more appropriately sized for the Ver Steeg Lounge.

Because the administrative corridor welcomes many diverse people to many destinations, Sarah Pritchard requested that the Committee install artwork in the hall that would highlight one of the Library's collections. With Sarah's input, it was decided that the Curtis reproductions would be installed in the hallway in groupings on both sides of the corridor, except at the end where loads come in from the dock. There will be one explanatory sign for the artwork.

A number of construction projects are underway that need to use the administrative corridor for storage purposes. When these subside, the installation of the Curtis reproductions will resume. The Library Art Committee thanks Stefani Foster of NUAMPS (Northwestern University Advanced Media Production Studio in 2East) for her expertise in rescanning and printing the images, and Art Noll from NU Facilities, who is installing the work.

Now and upon completion, enjoy the experience of the corridor!

Carol J. Anthony
Chair, Library Art Committee