Facades: Bill Cunningham exhibit
Grand Central Terminal (built ca. 1903-1913), ca. 1968-1976
The New-York Historical Society’s Dr. Valerie Paley curated
Facades a new exhibition of Bill Cunningham ’s early work, that will
run until June 15 at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library.
hot between 1968 and 1976, the Facades collection differs from the candid, voyeuristic images
that Cunningham is best known for today in style—models such as his muse Editta Sherman
pose outside of historic New York City landmarks wearing 18th-, 19th-, and 20th- century
costumes. But both are a love letter to the city of New York. In preparation for this project,
Cunningham collected over 500 vintage costumes and scouted over 1,800 locations on his
bicycle, and the photographer noted historical details about how women would have
traditionally worn the clothing on the back of each image “He saw a time evaporating,”
Dr. Paley says, noting the demolition of the original Pennsylvania Station in 1963, and
the similar fate that faced Grand Central Station.
“Bill Cunningham: Facades” is on view March 14 through June 15 at the
New-York Historical Society Museum & Library, 170 Central Park West.
Bill Cunningham Photographing Three Models at New
York County Court House, by an unknown artist, ca.1968-76
Editta Sherman on the Train to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, ca. 1972
Bowery Savings Bank (built ca. 1920), ca. 1968-1976
Associated Press Building at Rockefeller Center ca. 1968-1976
General Motors Building, ca. 1968-1976
Gothic bridge in Central Park (designed 1860), ca. 1968-1976
Club 21 (founded ca. 1920s; costume ca. 1940), ca. 1968- 1976
Guggenheim Museum (built 1959), ca. 1968-1976. Courtesy of the New-York Historical Society
Federal Hall (built ca. 1842, costume ca. 1910), ca. 1968-1976
Paris Theater (built 1947), ca. 1968-1976
source: wmagazine.com
