Summer Afternoon Opening Reception

Summer Afternoon: Fashion and Leisure

in the Hudson Highlands, 1850–1950

June 30 - December 16

O P E N I N G – R E C E P T I O N
Saturday, June 30, 5 to 7 pm

Summer Afternoon—the most beautiful words in the English language, according to Henry James—brings to life the history of the Hudson Highlands as a summer residence for fashionable society. A half-dozen white cotton, lace-trimmed “lingerie dresses,” so-called because they are made of the same materials as undergarments, form the heart of this exhibition. They were worn
to garden parties, luncheons, and teas at the turn of the century. The exhibition contrasts this idealized belle époque with the voluminous attire of the Victorian era as well as the streamlined social wear of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. The thirty garments and undergarments and a half-dozen accessories on display originally were owned by local residents.

A 56-page, color catalogue features photographs of many of the exhibition pieces and two essays exploring summer fashion and its role in society, “Summer Leisure across the Social Spectrum in the Hudson Highlands” by Dr. Trudie Grace, curator of the Putnam History Museum, and “Fashion for Summer, 1850-1950” by Dr. Lourdes Font, associate professor of art history and fashion studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology and guest curator for the exhibition.

This exhibition was made possible in part by major grants from Hanky Panky, a lingerie company that has created a limited-edition collection inspired by this exhibition; the Leonard and Evelyn Lauder Foundation; and Leslie Jacobson. Further significant funding was provided by Betty Green and Lisa and Lloyd Zeiderman. 

This event is free to members and donors.
RSVP by June 27 to info@putnamhistorymuseum.org or call 845-265-4010.