Seattle, WA [June 5, 2024]—The Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington is thrilled to announce the receipt of two significant grants aimed at bolstering the museum's conservation and preservation efforts. These awards, totaling more than $700,000, will play a crucial role in safeguarding and enhancing the accessibility of the Henry's significant collections.
The Henry was selected by an anonymous foundation to be one of five museums in the U.S. to receive a generous $500,000 four-year conservation grant. This award will address critical conservation needs, including a storage upgrade and conservation assessment for approximately 500 paintings and works on paper, an improved environmental monitoring program, and essential conservation equipment. Additionally, the Henry will conserve works in preparation for the Henry’s centennial celebration in 2027, and develop ongoing conservation plans to support the care and conservation of the Henry’s collections for years to come.
The second grant is a
$204,415 Save America’s Treasures award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, designated for a collections storage upgrade project to protect and preserve 357 works from the Henry’s Founding Collection and the Photographs and Works on Paper Collection. This grant, part of a nationwide initiative totaling $25.7 million, is one of 58 awarded across 26 states to preserve and conserve nationally significant properties and collections.
The Founding Collection features 19th- and early 20th-century European and American paintings, including masterpieces by artists such as William Merritt Chase, Frederick Stuart Church, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Ferdinand Victor Eugene Delacroix, and Frederick Childe Hassam. The Photographs and Works on Paper Collection spans from the earliest years of photography to contemporary works, showcasing the evolution of photographic processes and styles. It is one of the most robust historical photography collections in the United States.
“The Henry is deeply grateful for the critical support provided by these grants,” says Kris Lewis, John S. Behnke Director. “These investments will significantly enhance our ability to preserve and celebrate our collections for future generations.”
Founded in 1927 by Seattle entrepreneur Horace C. Henry, the Henry Art Gallery is Washington State’s first art museum, dedicated to contemporary art and ideas. The Henry’s permanent collection has grown to over 28,000 objects, encompassing a wide range of media from photographs and paintings to ceramics and textiles. Initially built on Henry's gift of 19th- and 20th-century paintings, the collection expanded through contributions from university faculty, collectors, and artists, reflecting influences such as Japanese aesthetics and West Coast ceramics. Notable collections include European Master Prints, American photographs, and contemporary art. As a key cultural resource at the University of Washington, the Henry is committed to equity in its collection practices, prioritizing works by BIPOC, female, and LGBTQ+ artists, and providing access to its transformative art collections through community engagement and educational programs.