#Albany institute

[digitalfashionmuseum]

Pink Silk Carriage Boots, 1890-1895.

By Marshall Field, Inc.

Albany Institute of History & Art.

[3garcons]

Carmen LGP at Albany Institute

[frostedmagnolias]

Green Hostess Dress

c. 1889

Label: A. Félix Breveté / 15. Faub. St. Honoré Paris

Albany Institute of History & Art

[history-of-fashion]

ab. 1873 Grey blue visiting dress by House of Worth (Charles Frederick Worth)

silk faille and silk taffeta trimmed with steel beads

(Albany Institute of History & Art)

[jewellery-box]

Dress, silk brocade with embroidered net

House of Worth

c. 1883-1885

Albany Institute of History and Art

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

Angelica Urquhart Livingston (1818-1879), ca.1840-50 By Unidentified artist Albany Institute of History & Art

[threadtalk]

Do you ever see a dress and feel like you can hear it? This one certainly seems like it would make the most delicate shushing sound over the parquet floors. Dating from 1867, this dress has all the volume of the decade but with a lot of the 1870s precursors to come--especially in that bodice and the contrasting lining.

It's made of the most beautiful sky blue satin, and the tulle cascades down the middle of the skirt almost like a waterfall. The museum notes that the tulle was replaced in the 1980s, and that makes sense. I imaging the original might have been pretty yellowed by then.

Personally, my favorite part is the growing size of the stripes down the sides of the skirt over the petticoat. That, and the peep of satin at the hem! So lovely. From the Albany Institute.

[jstor]

Edward Christopher Williams (11 Feb. 1871 - 24 Dec. 1929) was a pioneering African American librarian, educator, and scholar who played a vital role in shaping library collections at Western Reserve University (WRU) and Howard University. Born in Cleveland to Daniel P. Williams, a prominent African American figure, and Mary Kilkary Williams, a Clevelander of Irish descent, Williams embarked on a remarkable journey of academic and professional achievement.

Graduating from Adelbert College of WRU in 1892, Williams quickly made his mark as he assumed the role of first assistant librarian at the institution. His dedication and expertise saw him ascend to the position of head librarian in 1894 and university librarian in 1898. Eager to deepen his knowledge, Williams pursued further studies in library science at the New York Library School in Albany, completing the rigorous 2-year program in just one year.

Williams's impact on WRU's library was profound; he significantly expanded its collection and elevated its standards, establishing himself as an authority in library organization and bibliography. His advocacy for the establishment of a school of library science at WRU led to its inception in 1904, where he became an esteemed instructor, offering courses in reference work, bibliography, public documents, and book selection.

A founding member of the Ohio Library Association, Williams played a pivotal role in shaping its constitution and direction. However, in 1909, he left Cleveland to assume the role of principal at M St. High School in Washington, D.C. His tenure there was marked by his unwavering commitment to education and leadership.

In 1916, Williams joined Howard University as university librarian, further cementing his legacy in the realm of academia. Not only did he oversee the university's library, but he also directed Howard's library training class, taught German, and later chaired the Department of Romance Languages.

In pursuit of academic excellence, Williams embarked on a sabbatical in 1929 to pursue a Ph.D. at Columbia University. Tragically, his studies were cut short by his untimely passing later that year.

In 1902, Williams married Ethel P. Chesnutt, the daughter of Charles Chesnutt, a renowned author. Their union bore one son, Charles, who would carry on his father's legacy in the years to come.

Read more about Edward Christopher Williams here.

[digitalfashionmuseum]

Pink silk ball gown, ca. 1867, French.

By Emile Pingat.

Albany Institute of History & Art.

[3garcons]

John Leroy Duo at Albany Institute for History and Art June 2023

[frostedmagnolias]

Fawn Colored Day Dress

c. 1882-1883

Label: Milton S. Price / Syracuse, N.Y.

Albany Institute of History & Art

[history-of-fashion]

1867 Raspberry dress with white beads by Marie and Josephine Virfolet (New York City)

ribbed silk, silk satin, glass seed beads

(Albany Institute of History & Art)

[jewellery-box]

Doll

Date: Second half nineteenth century

Materials: cotton, coral beads

Albany Institute of History and Art

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

William Hart (Scottish-born American, 1823-1894) Wordsworth’s Residence (Rydal Mount), 1852 Albany Institute of History & Art

[threadtalk]

House of Worth gowns have a tendency to be all out in terms of colors and patterns, but I love that this dress plays with the monochrome palette and leaves the details for the tailoring. Dating from 1873, it's got the silhouette of the times you'd expect but with the high-neck conservatism of the next decade. I love the ruffles and diagonal lines along the hem and bustle. According to the description, it's silk faille taffeta and trimmed with steel beads. Just stunning! I love everything about this dress.

From the Albany Institute.

[gentlyepigrams]

Afternoon dress by House of Worth, 1867. Albany Institute of History & Art.