University of Iowa Presidential Portrait Gallery Celebrates History
Channel: University of Iowa Libraries
Date: 2022-04-28

The Presidential Portrait Gallery on the fifth floor of the Main Library is a place to celebrate the University of Iowa’s history. It currently features 20 portraits of past presidents, which are part of the University Archives. 

When the project to refresh the gallery started in 2014, the set of portraits was not complete, and many were in need of restoration. Sara Boesen of Des Moines, Iowa, was chosen to restore the paintings of Oliver Spencer and Josiah Pickard since they required the most complex conservation efforts. 

All the portraits are now displayed with an overview of each leader’s tenure and accompanying images showing the campus during that time period. Librarians and faculty members also continually work to develop ways of integrating the artwork into classroom studies. 

You can learn more here:
    • https://now.uiowa.edu/2019/10/portraits-coleman-skorton-and-mason-bring-uis-presidential-portrait-gallery-date
    • https://guides.lib.uiowa.edu/c.php?g=966782&p=6985035
    • https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/ui-presidents/
    • https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/archives/faq/faqpresidents/