American Museum in Britain ’ s Dazzling 2017 Exhibitions
Until 29 October
LEFT : Pink sequin dress , Photograph ® Tessa Hallmann Collection , Mark and Cleo Butterfield .
If there has ever been a more opportune time to visit the American Museum in Britain , it is now . The Museum opened for 2017 with a sparkling preview of its two exhibitions for this year – 1920 ’ s Jazz Age : Fashion and Photographs and Joyce Petschek : Breaking the Pattern .
1920 ’ s Jazz Age : Fashion and Photographs is a welcome reminder of the creative American energy that sent cultural shockwaves around the world in the 1920 ’ s . A glittering display of haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion of the period is shown alongside James Abbe ’ s wonderful photographs , with films and literature of the period featured as well .
A rich and varied mixture of people including press , representatives from local business , universities , bloggers and various members of the community gathered for a guided tour , talks and lunch . The Museum ’ s Director , Richard Wendorf , opened the event with the exhibition ’ s designers , Celia Joicey and Dennis Nothdruft from the Fashion and Textiles Museum in London , both speaking of their delight that this exhibition has come to Bath .
The second exhibition – Joyce Petschek : Breaking the Pattern – is a wonderful example of an artist finding a new way of interpreting a traditional form . American Joyce Petschek – who lives in Tuscany and London – was originally a Bargello needlepoint expert , working
Northern Lights © Joyce Petschek .
with a mathematical pattern to create motifs . This exhibition shows her breaking away from the rigid confines and creating pieces of extraordinary beauty and skill .
Rudolph Valentino and Natasha Rambova New York 1922 .
The American Museum in Britain is unique as it is the only museum outside the United States showcasing the achievements of Americans in the decorative arts . The permanent collection includes over two hundred historic American quilts , exceptional pieces of Shaker furniture , Native American objects , and two hundred historical maps of the New World . In addition visitors can explore the extensive grounds and enjoy spectacular views from the café terrace .
Dolly Sisters 1923 , Courtesy Private Collection ® James Abbe Archive .
For further information visit : www . americanmuseum . org
6 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK