Dual Fashion Exhibit
The two companion TexStyles exhibits, “Classic Colonial” and “Fashionably Federal”, have come to the historic houses of Odessa from Tuesday, April 4, 2017 – Friday, October 13, 2017. This exhibit features the collections of reproduction clothing and accessories spanning the last quarter of the 18th century through the first two decades of the 19th.
The reproductions in the exhibit have been meticulously researched using books, original patterns, and hands-on examination of actual garments from the period. Much of the sewing and decoration was done by hand as it was 200 years ago, and a number of garments are authentically constructed and hand sewn, although machine sewing has been used on interiors of some.
Disclaimer: Clothing in the exhibit was created by Lynn Symborski as personal interpretations of period styles and unless stated, not meant to be exact copies of extant pieces. An exception is the authentic white muslin wedding dress c.1803.
Exhibits
Classic Colonial: Fabrics and Fashions in 18th Century Style
TexStyles: Linen, Cotton, Wool & Silk
At the Wilson-Warner House, National Historic Register
Fashionably Federal: Fabrics and Fashions in 18th & 19th Century Style
TexStyles: Linen, Cotton, Wool & Silk
At the Corbit-Sharp House, National Historic Landmark
Lynn Symborski, Guest Curator
Since childhood, Lynn Symborski has been enamored with historic costume and fashion. A graphic artist by profession, she graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, and received her degree in illustration and design. As an historic seamstress, she researches and recreates styles of dress from the Renaissance to the 20th century for individuals and events; from re-enactors to bridal and museum work. Past projects include an 18th century black silk “calash” bonnet for Mount Vernon, and textile conservation on both 18th and 19th century garments.
Lynn has given lecture-demonstrations on Colonial and Victorian fashions, and worked with historic sites for period costume displays. A former Museum Educator at Pottsgrove Manor, her costumes have frequently been used in the museum’s exhibits of everyday life in the 18th century. In 2014, she created over half the reproductions (many sewn by hand, and done specifically for the display) for the museum’s exhibit “To the Manor Worn; Clothing the 18th Century Household”.
Past exhibits include “‘What Antiques! What Folly’ – Fashions of the Fury” and “Fashion in Exile” at French Azilum in Towanda PA., featuring styles from the many eras of that site’s occupation. In 2004 Lynn was a guest curator at Pottsgrove Manor, for the fashion exhibit “From Head to Toe”, which can be viewed online. Virtual tours of “Fashion in Exile” and “What Antiques, What Folly” and “To the Manor Worn” are available online on Lynn’s Pinterest page; for more information, contact TapestryLJ@aol.com or williamsburgrose.com.
Article Images
Left: Hand painted silk fabric was reproduced to create a polonaise style dress, c. 1780, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY by Lynn Symborski.
Center: Two 18th century middle class or servant-class dresses. Blue linen dress adapted from extant piece in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The brown silk ‘round gown’ is a reproduction of an extant dress from the Massey family, of Marple, PA; late 18th century.
Right: Lynn Symborski, Guest Curator
