This January, the Cohasset Historical Society will take visitors back in time when Cohasset was the summer home to wealthy Bostonians and the world was changing at a rapid pace. “Dressing for Downton” highlights the changing fashions in the days of Downton Abbey – 1910 to 1925.
The exhibit has been carefully curated from the society’s existing textile collection, which includes more than 3,500 catalogued pieces.
Highlights of the exhibit include an evening gown of lush black velvet adorned with silver and turquoise beading, wedding dresses with intricate lace, a beaded brocade flapper dress of red and green and, for the gentlemen, a smart pinstripe suit. The downstairs help is also represented: a butler’s uniform and a simple cotton paisley dress with apron. Many of the garments were once worn by Cohasset’s well-heeled residents.
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Time has taken its toll on many of these garments and some need extensive restoration in order to be displayed. The Cohasset Historical Society is running an Adopt-A-Gown campaign to defray the cost of their conservation efforts. Textile conservator Marie Schlag of The Studio For Textile Conservation in Scituate is painstakingly returning the garments to their original glory. There are pieces for every budget, ranging from simple fixes of $35 to major restoration at $950.
The tax-deductible donations will go directly toward the restoration and conservation of these garments for the future. A special afternoon tea will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25 for all who adopt a dress (and a guest) allowing for an intimate look at the restored garments.
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The exhibit will open on Saturday, Jan. 10 with a fabulous cocktail party to rival Downton’s balls. The night will include hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music from the period. Event is 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $130 per person and space is limited.
A whiskey tasting event – just for men – rounds out the special events surrounding the exhibit on Friday, January 30, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Cohasset Historical Society will be transformed into the style of a British manor. Reservations required.
For more information about the Adopt-A-Gown campaign, or to reserve tickets for any of the events, call the Cohasset Historical Society (106 South Main Street, Cohasset) at 781-383-1434. The exhibit will be open to the public on weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from January 12 through March.
