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