May 13, 2026 Photo Preservation Workshop Held at the Marriott Library

Workshop attendees examined photos that needed conservation and those that had been repaired.

With support from the Cahoon Lectureship Fund, the J. Willard Marriott Library Preservation Lab recently collaborated with the Utah Division of Arts & Museums and Utah Historical Society to invite Seattle-based art conservator Lisa Duncan to teach a two-day, statewide photograph conservation workshop.

Held May 6-7, the workshop’s goal was to improve preservation standards for photographic collections throughout the state. Hosted by the J. Willard Marriott Library Preservation Lab, the workshop was attended by representatives from University of Utah Museum of Fine Art, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah State Archives, Utah Historical Society’s Collections and Local History Services teams, Alf Engen Ski Museum, Brigham City Museum of Art and History, Cache Valley Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum and the Hyrum City Museum.

Conservator Lisa Duncan demonstrates making 4-flap archival enclosures in the library’s preservation lab.

Lisa Duncan provided clear, accurate information about care and exhibition of historically significant photographs. The workshop provided insights into the complexity of photographic deterioration and clarified professional conservation principles of practice related to their care. Lisa also made a fascinating presentation about the history and development of photography.

A hands-on introduction to the treatment of photographs included surface cleaning, guidelines for handling, matting, framing and mount making, as well as  solutions for long-term care, storage and exhibition. Educational and enjoyable, the event led to our beginning to develop cooperative material ordering protocols to ensure all the cultural institutions in the state can provide high-quality preservation care for their historic photograph collections.

View the presentation video on the library’s You Tube Channel.