The ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ exhibition is on display at the New-York Historical Society through September 9, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
Bill Cunningham
The Celebrating Bill Cunningham exhibition on display at the New York Historical Society through September 9, 2018, marks the New-York Historical Society’s recent acquisition of objects, personal correspondence, ephemera, and photographs that reflect the life and work of Bill Cunningham, one of the late 20th century’s most influential trend-spotters and style authorities.
The legendary New York Times journalist and photographer was frequently spied on the city’s streets, at fashion shows, and elegant soirées capturing New York’s fashion innovators and cultural glitterati.
Selection from Cunningham’s Facades project―his eight-year photographic project documenting New York City’s architectural and fashion history, shown at the Museum in 2014. Photo by Lia Chang
Showcasing a selection from Cunningham’s Facades project―his eight-year photographic project documenting New York City’s architectural and fashion history, shown at the Museum in 2014―Celebrating Bill Cunningham also features photographs documenting his friendship with floral designer Toni Cimino, known as Suzette; a Cunningham bicycle; his Nikon camera; signature blue jacket; ephemera; and unforgettable William J hats. Curated by Debra Schmidt Bach, curator of decorative arts.
The ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ exhibition is on display at the New-York Historical Society through September 9, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
The ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ exhibition is on display at the New-York Historical Society through September 9, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
William J. Beach hat, 1960; label, ca: 1960 Raffia, velvet silk, rooster feathers, wire, grosgrain Purchase, Coaching Club Acquisitions 2017.63.1-2
Camera (Nikon Model D5200) with 24 mm lens, used by Bill Cunningham, ca. 2012
New-York Historical Society, Gift of Louise Doktor, 2017.13.3
“The New-York Historical Society enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Bill Cunningham, dating back to his first donation of 88 gelatin silver photographs representing his Facades series and continuing to the end of his life,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “In 2014, we were thrilled to host a very special surprise party for Bill’s 85th birthday, which coincided with a brand new Facades exhibition. His death was deeply felt by all of us who knew him and respected his work, so it is with great pride that the New-York Historical Society becomes the new home for his earthly belongings. We feel extremely privileged and grateful that Bill’s longtime friends John and Louise have chosen to share their bequests with us. These objects will join Facades in our permanent collection, allowing scholars and admirers the opportunity to remember Bill’s legacy for years to come.”
Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang, trustee of the New-York Historical Society, Louise Mirrer, President and CEO, New-York Historical Society and Debra Schmidt-Bach, Curator of Decorative Arts at the New- York Historical Society attend the Opening Reception For ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ at New-York Historical Society on June 18, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
Bill Cunningham
William John “Bill” Cunningham (1929–2016) was a long-time New York Times photographer and journalist known for his “On the Street” and “Evening Hours” columns. As much a cultural anthropologist as he was a fashion photographer, Cunningham was known for his candid street and event photographs of New Yorkers that depicted up-to-the-minute fashion trends. To achieve his telling photographs, Bill Cunningham often circulated around the city on a bicycle. In temperate weather he wore a blue French work jacket. The Nikon camera is one of several owned by Cunningham and was probably used through the end of his career.
Bill Cunningham’s protégé Andy Chen and Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang, trustee of the New-York Historical Society attend the Opening Reception For ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ at New-York Historical Society on June 18, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
Cunningham’s personal library of more than 200 volumes, primarily focusing on fashion, will join New-York Historical’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library collection. The books reveal his deep dedication to his craft and passion; his collection includes histories of fashion, catalogs from designers, exhibition catalogs, advertising, and memoirs and biographies of noted designers, past and present. It also serves as the personal repository of his encyclopedic knowledge, replete with newspaper clippings, photographs, letters, and marginalia curated by Cunningham. His library offers a unique and intimate view into the care and methodical thought he put into his work.
The ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ exhibition is on display at the New York Historical Society through September 9, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
Also among the personal effects being donated to New-York Historical’s permanent collection are a custom-made bicycle helmet, given to Cunningham in 2005 by Bergdorf Goodman in a hat box covered with colorful images from his New York Times column; his pewter Living Landmark presentation plate from 2009, made by Cartier; the Medal of Excellence, presented to Cunningham in 2012 by Carnegie Hall, his longtime residence; and his millinery supplies from his time as a designer, including two hats in the process of being styled, his tools, and a collection of feathers.
William J.
Orange Corduroy Hat, early 1960’s
Gift of Melanie Tinnelly and Terence Tinnelly in memory of their aunt, Tony Cimino (known as Suzette) 2017.73.2
William J.
Burgandy Corduroy Hat, early 1960’s
Gift of Melanie Tinnelly and Terence Tinnelly in memory of their aunt, Tony Cimino (known as Suzette) 2017.73.2
About the New-York Historical Society
The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s pre-eminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.
About the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library
The New-York Historical Society’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library is one of the oldest and most distinguished research libraries in the world, containing more than three million books, pamphlets, maps, atlases, newspapers, broadsides, music sheets, manuscripts, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings. The Klingenstein Library is one of only sixteen libraries in the United States qualified to be a member of the Independent Research Libraries Association. The Library continues to receive important research materials relating to education, philanthropy, social service, and the history of New York and the nation.
Generous support for this exhibition provided by May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc.
The Celebrating Bill Cunningham exhibition is on display at the New-York Historical Society through September 9, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
The New-York Historical Society would like to extend sincere appreciation to John Kurdewan, who has provided invaluable assistance for our effort to collect items that document and commemorate Bill Cunningham’s life. Celebrating Bill Cunningham would not be possible without his insight and support.
John Kurdewan speaks at the Opening Reception For ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ at New-York Historical Society on June 18, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Seymour Neuman Endowed Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
Bill Cunningham’s protégé Andy Chen, Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang, trustee of the New-York Historical Society, Norman Benzaquen, trustee of the New-York Historical Society,Valerie Paley, Vice President, Chief Historian, and Margi Hofer, Director of New-York Historical Society, attend the Opening Reception For ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ at New-York Historical Society on June 18, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
The ‘Celebrating Bill Cunningham’ exhibition is on display at the New-York Historical Society through September 9, 2018. Photo by Lia Chang
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Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia is also an internationally published and exhibited photographer, a multi-platform journalist, and a publicist. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.
Lia Chang Photography 