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The National Geographic Society has designated 2018 as “The Year of the Bird” in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treat Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. So, we too are celebrating with artifacts that depict birds and/or feathers in some form. Bird feathers have been used for decoration in many cultures in addition to western fashion, sometimes almost leading to extinction. While feathers decorating women’s hats were partially to blame in the late 19th century, unregulated sport and market hunting and “boys’ mischief” were bigger factors. Detail of embroidery depicting a crane on a Japanese wedding kimono c. 1980

Depictions of birds such as the phoenix, crane, and peacock in East Asian textiles hold symbolic meanings. The Phoenix represents the Empress and cranes often appear on wedding kimono as a symbol of faithfulness and longevity. Use of peacock feathers are also considered taboo on the theatrical stage.

Visit the Thompson Library Special Collections Display Cases for additional artifacts celebrating The Bird! 
Jane Austen’s novels enjoy a huge popularity in spite of the shortness of her career, which ended at the age of 42 on July 18, 1817.

In recognition of her work and popularity, three Austen-era dresses from the HCTC accompanied by three first edition Austen novels from the OSU Rare Books and Manuscripts Library are on exhibit through December 15, 2017 at the Thompson Library in a large display case adjacent to the gallery on the first floor. More about Austen is covered on our blog. 
Note: the apron front dress will be moving to the Cartoon Couture exhibit at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum on November 2, but available for viewing there beginning November 4 through April 15, 2018. 
The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection celebrates the winter into spring months of Spring Semester with an exhibition of the garments that help keep us warm and dry. “All Wrapped Up,” is a history of fashion in the shape of capes, coats, and cloaks. Luxurious evening wraps share space with iconic trench coats and other functional and fun outer garments that are used for protective and decorative purposes alike. Examples of both men’s and women’s outerwear are featured. 
Red and blue are the colors of our states during election season, so we’ve decided to explore those colors in our fall exhibition, Red or Blue? Join us this election season as we delve into the cultural meanings and psychology of the colors of the season, and view some of our best examples of red and blue gowns, suits and dresses from various decades of the twentieth century. 
The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is featuring some of its best examples of red and blue in its latest exhibition. These colors first were used in television election coverage in 1976, although at that time, neither color was ‘assigned’ to one political party. In addition to political affiliations, cultural meanings of red and blue also have shifted over time, having different meanings in the past than they do today. We will look into these meanings as well as the natural dye sources for these colors. Approximately thirty garments will be on display in the upper Gladys Keller Snowden gallery in Campbell Hall, including designer evening gowns, daywear and suits. Related materials will be in the lower gallery.





