Ventfort Hall has Announced an Indefinite Extension of Popular Exhibit
LENOX - Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum has announced the indefinite extension of the extremely popular exhibit “Les Petites Dames de Mode”(The Little Ladies of Fashion.) Ventfort Hall is also announcing the extension of a related exhibit “In Celebration of Weddings,” and in conjunction with these announcements, the 86-years-young John R. Burbidge, designer and creator of Les Petites Dames de Mode will be visiting Ventfort Hall to lecture on Thursday, June 26 at 4 p.m. followed by a Victorian Tea and again on August 28.According to Ventfort Hall’s Executive Director Jeffrey Folmer, “Les Petites Dames de Mode has been a phenomenal success and promises to become a significant attraction in the Berkshires. It seems that nothing quite like this exists in the world – our visitors have been declaring this exhibit worthy of any major museum anywhere!” Folmer adds “the Ladies appear to have found their home. It’s not clear who is more delighted, Mr. Burbidge, me, our visitors or perhaps the Ladies themselves!”
The 1896 mansion provides the perfect backdrop for the exhibit of sixty, almost half-life size “Ladies” in their hand-made costumes, each a work of art. They portray the history of women’s fashion from 1855 to 1914 in exquisite detail. After extensive historical research, Burbidge the retired Senior Designer for the famed bridal house of Priscilla of Boston, imagined himself working as a designer in a bygone era. The assemblage represents the culmination of almost 30 years of exacting effort.
As a venue where many private weddings are held, “In Celebration of Weddings” also features Mr. Burbidge’s work and that of his wife Mrs. Cile Bellefleur Burbidge. It features an added Lady dressed in a replica of Sarah Ferguson the Duchess of York’s wedding dress (complete with a 4-foot long train!) There is also an exhibit of photos and memorabilia of wedding dresses Burbidge created for Presidents Johnson’s and Nixon’s daughters. The award-winning Mrs. Burbidge, one of the top wedding cake-makers in the world, contributes a spectacular wedding cake for display. Her $10,000 to $20,000 cakes have appeared in the Smithsonian, Tiffany’s, weddings for heads of state, etc. and another is currently part of the Peabody Essex Museum’s “Wedded Bliss” display in Salem, Massachusetts.
Mr. Burbidge will focus his June 26 lecture on the “In Celebration of Weddings” exhibit and will also touch on “Les Petites Dames de Mode.” He will be on hand to sign copies of his book, “Les Petites Dames de Mode – An Adventure in Design” published by Reverie, which will be available for purchase. He will be returning again on August 28 to speak on creating Les Petites Dames de Mode. Mrs. Burbidge will be conducting a demonstation/lecture sometime in the fall.
Folmer notes that, “We are in discussions with other venues outside the northeast to tour one-half or less of the exhibit on temporary loans down the road. For instance, 15 of the Ladies will be traveling to Pittsburgh in the fall for a long weekend.”
Admission for the lecture and tea is $15 per person, members $12. For more information or reservations, call 413-637-3206. Ventfort Hall is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
