Exhibitions, 1929-2000

This series contains information directly related to the planning, research, development, and installation of the department’s exhibitions. The earliest exhibitions were organized by Elizabeth Haynes, curator of the Department of Decorative Arts. The collection consists mostly of correspondence, Registrar’s forms, checklists, gallery plans, didactics, press releases, invitations to openings and gala events, clippings, photographs, negatives, and transparencies.

Among the department’s exhibitions are 5,000 Years of Fibers and Fabrics (1946), a history of textiles, organized by Michelle Murphy, with the advice and assistance of Mr. and Mrs. M.D.C. Crawford. This exhibit helped to generate greater interest in the work of the Industrial Division. The Genius of Charles James (1982-1983), organized by Elizabeth Ann Coleman, is a comprehensive examination of the creative work of Charles James, who also played a significant role in the development of the educational services of the Design Lab. The last major exhibition organized by Coleman was Opulent Era: Fashions of Worth, Doucet and Pingat (1989-1990).

Of note are records that relate to the activities of the Industrial Division during World War II. In an effort to reach out to the community during this time, the department organized several exhibitions about industry and the war effort. Exhibitions include Inventions for Victory (1942), which featured products created as a result of shortages due to the war, and Civilian Defense Volunteer Office: Your Home at War (1942-1943).