Today, we talk history.
01. Today in the Civil War: Dispatches from the Rosenbach Collection
“The Rosenbach’s collections are rich in important materials related to the Civil War, including letters and documents by Lincoln, Grant, Lee, and many other political and military leaders; as well as materials about slavery and abolition. Today in the Civil War: Dispatches from the Rosenbach Collection reproduces Civil War-era documents from the Rosenbach collection 150 years after they were originally created. Each will be accompanied by a transcript, either full or partial, depending on the length of the document. Items bearing an exact date (e.g. letters, newspapers) will be posted on that date. Material where only the year is known (e.g. books) will be posted during the appropriate year. Items which date from the Civil War period but do not have a specific date (e.g. photographs) will appear from time to time as well.” (Rosenbach).
02. Reproducing Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors
“In 1662, the print makers of the Cabinet du Roi were organized to create an engraved record of the celebrations held by Louis XIV. Five years later, the charge was expanded to include an engraved record of every painting and sculpture owned by the King, along with his gardens, buildings, and the interior decoration of the residences.” (Graphic Arts).
03. Kenzo celebrates 40 years (Above)
“Hilary Alexander speaks to artistic director of Kenzo, Antonio Marras, as the label celebrates four decades of ethnic chic at the V&A’s ‘Fashion in Motion: Kenzo’ exhibition.” (Telegraph).
04. Brooklyn Architecture and Architects
“As part of the CLIR team surveying the archival, manuscript, and photography collections at BHS, we’ve come across several collections that document either iconic Brooklyn architecture or local Brooklyn architects. With the recent conclusion of the 8th annual Open House New York, I’ve been thinking about architecture, the multitude of buildings I encounter everyday, and my relationship with them. From the Hotel St. George where the subway lets me out in the morning, to the George B. Post landmarked building I work in at BHS, to the sprawling Concord Village I walk past everyday on my way to the Manhattan Bridge pedestrian walkway, I am in constant interaction with buildings. Buildings can be destinations, hindrances, or points of reference. They can be beautiful or ugly, memorable or forgettable, historic or everyday.” (Brooklyn Historical Society).
offers an official take on the history of the Vuitton steamer trunk and beyond – including what looks to be a full technical overview of their builds. “This exceptional book, with a preface by Patrick-Louis Vuitton, show-cases the most beautiful creations of the House through more than eight hundred photographs. The trunk-bed, steamer trunk, tea case, toiletry kit, circus trunk, library trunk, and caviar box are just a few of the many incredible pieces featured here, along with the equally incredible stories of their creation. A full technical survey, the bible of the artisanal trunkmaker, reveals the secrets of making a Louis Vuitton trunk.”
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