American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Memory, Exhibit Object Focus

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Documenting the Restoration

Willard Room under demolition with fallen capital and column
Carol M. Highsmith
Willard Room under demolition with fallen capital and column, ca. 1981
Willard lobby after cleanup, before restoration, 1984
Willard lobby floor being fitted for tile pieces, 1985
Repair of Willard Crystal Room scagliola, 1985
Cibachrome color print
Prints & Photographs Division
Gift of photographer, 1992 (233, 236, 234a, b)
Digital ID#s ppmsca-11563, 11566, 11564, 11565

Photographer Carol Highsmith was hired by the Willard's developers to document the process of the hotel's restoration and addition. Her photographs capture the hotel's evolution from dilapidated hulk in 1980 to its grand reopening in August 1986. In the process Highsmith recorded the painstaking craftsmanship that brought the Willard back to its former glory. Highsmith was inspired to become a professional architectural photographer after viewing Frances Benjamin Johnston's work at the Library of Congress. And like Johnston, Highsmith has bequeathed her photographic archive to the Library.

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