Exhibit Presentation by Lynn Symborski
Lynn Symborski, guest curator of the Dual Fashion Exhibit, is visiting the Historic Odessa Foundation to highlight a seldom-explored facet of everyday life in any era, and about which nearly everyone will admit curiosity – underwear!
Join us on Sunday, August 6th at the Historic Odessa Foundation's Visitors Center!
Intimacies: An Overview of 18th century Underwear
Just as "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, the concept of intimate apparel varied widely during different historical eras.
Outer clothing—that which is visible, though it may be complex and layered—from other historical eras may be interesting in itself to look at, but it is often the understructures (or lack of them) that elicits the most curiosity. The very fact that this under-wear is hidden from open view is most often the compelling factor for curiosity and inquiry.
Learn the whys and ‘wear’-fores of the variety of undergarments and intimate apparel, from ladies pocket-hoops to Thomas Jefferson’s under-drawers, discover colonial fashions layer by layer, and have a chance to get close-up and personal with recreated items following the presentation. Care to try on a corset?
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.
