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 procurements were obtained from the Western Eye Contest by Mr. Dutton’s successor, and members of the Phoenix College Photography Department.
Since 1998, the collection has been displayed as a permanent exhibition at PC 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 floor of the library. 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 the permanent Photography Collection to students, constituents, and community members. Our goal is to educate, enlighten and increase student appreciation of fine art. We encourage faculty to engage students in the study of original works of art. Mr. Dutton passed away on December 9, 2017.
We welcome everyone to visit the library (during regular library hours) and view Phoenix College unique photograph collection, assemble 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