Frick Art Reference Library Photoarchive

The Photoarchive maintains a collection of 1.5 million photographic reproductions of artworks dating from the fourth to mid-twentieth century within the library building.

Helen Clay Frick established this archive in 1920 in the Frick mansion's bowling alley to create a centralized collection of photographic art reproductions.

The collection documents artistic works from 40,000 creators, including photographs of pieces that have been modified, misplaced, or destroyed over time.

Researchers can access over 400,000 high-resolution images through Frick Digital Collections, while additional materials require consultation at the library reading room.

Between 1922 and 1967, library staff conducted photography expeditions across Europe and the United States to capture artworks in private and remote collections.

Location: New York City

Inception: 1920

Part of: Frick Art Reference Library, New York Art Resources Consortium

Website: http://frick.org/research/photoarchive

GPS coordinates: 40.77118,-73.96735

Latest update: March 4, 2025 22:25