The library's photography collection consists of approximately 190 photographs, encompassing works by notable 20th century photographers, including Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Ruth Bernhard, Minor White, and Phoenix College Alumni.
The collection dates back at least five decades, when then-professor and founder of the Phoenix College Photography Program, Allen Ayers Dutton, began acquiring pieces to build the collection. The majority of the acquisitions were purchased with evening student club funds. Later accessions were obtained from the Western Eye Contest by Mr. Dutton’s successor and members of the Phoenix College Photography Department. Mr. Dutton passed away on December 9, 2017.
Since 1998, the collection has been on display as a permanent exhibition in Fannin Library. In 2003, the library assumed responsibility of managing the preservation of the collection. There are 86 pieces available for viewing on the main and second floors of the building. For conservation measures, the collection cycles to a cold-storage room. Valuable and fragile pieces are kept in cold storage to prevent further deterioration.
The intention of Phoenix College Library is to make accessible these works to students, employees, and community members. Our goal is to educate, enlighten, and increase appreciation of fine art. We encourage faculty to engage students in the study of original works of art.
We welcome everyone to visit the library (during regular library hours) and view this unique photography collection, assembled by renowned photographer and numerous award recipient, Allen A. Dutton.
If you have questions about accessing the library's photography collection, please email library@phoenixcollege.edu