"Dressing the Edwardian Lady" at Ventfort Hall11:59AM / Tuesday, June 23, 2009
 | | “Dressing the Edwardian Lady” on Wednesday, July 1 at 4:00pm. |
LENOX Mass. - Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum launches its 2009 Summer Lecture Series with actress Kandie Carle with her presentation of “Dressing the Edwardian Lady” on Wednesday, July 1 at 4:00pm. The audience will have an opportunity to meet Kandie after her performance at a Victorian Tea.
Back by popular demand, having appeared in highly received presentations of “Dressing the Civil War Lady” and “Dressing the Victorian Lady”, Kandie takes her audience on a journey of discovery by using historical clothing and accessories as a tool. She will dress in layer upon layer of the clothing of the Edwardian era that coincides with the reign of the British monarch, Edward VII (1901-1911). These were the final years of the Gilded Age and the setting of the stage for the Modern Age.
As each piece is added, Kandie explains how it was worn, as well as when and where it was appropriate. In this case, she will don popular summer attire called the Lingerie Dress and an enormous, elaborate hat to match. Throughout the presentation she will share insights into the clothing, lifestyle, manners, etiquette and customs, including anecdotes of the period and audience interaction.
Kandie has assembled a vast collection of authentic period clothing and accessories, and as an accomplished seamstress, has recreated pieces from historical designs and patterns.
She has also performed in theater as an actress, dancer and singer in the United States and abroad, covering the spectrum from Shakespeare to musical comedy. She is also Artistic Director of the East Haddam Stage Company in Connecticut.
Kandie will appear at Ventfort Hall in conjunction with its highly popular exhibit, Les Petites Dames de Mode (The Little Ladies of Fashion), 29-inch mannequins exquisitely outfitted by designer John Burbidge in clothes and accessories representing the period 1855 to 1914.
The audience is also invited to view on the second floor of Ventfort Hall a rare exhibit titled Something Old, Something New: Two Hundred Years of Berkshire Brides. This is a collection belonging to the Berkshire Historical Society of more than two dozen historic wedding gowns, the oldest dating from 1815, and related accessories, including shoes, veils, gloves, invitations and photographs.
Admission for Kandie’s presentation and tea is $15 per person, members are $12. For more information or reservations, call 413-637-3206. Ventfort Hall is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
An Official Project of Save America’s Treasures, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum offers tours of the historic mansion, as well as lectures, concerts, teas, theater and other programs. This elegant Elizabethan-revival Berkshire “cottage,” listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to the public year-round and is available for private rental. Built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan (sister of the financier, J. P. Morgan), Ventfort Hall has undergone substantial restoration, which continues. |
