From Head to Toe -18th Century Clothing at Pottsgrove Manor

For a Virtual Tour of the Exhibit, click on the images or titles below

Kitchen - A Blessed Event - Finishing Touches - Closet & Hall - Musical Evening - Attic - Daywear -Office - Originals

*Now Available* "From Head to Toe " Exhibit Book	A selection of the re-created 18th century fashions from the exhibit "From Head to Toe- 18th Century Fashions at Pottsgrove Manor" is now available in booklet form. Also featured are garments modeled in the Fashion Show held for the opening of the exhibit. Ordering information Below.

About the Exhibit. . .

Guest Curators
Suellen Tatrai is proprietor and owner of The Golden Needle, a business that specializes in the conservation, restoration and reproduction of antique clothing, textiles and accessories. Suellen has been collecting antique clothing and textiles for over 20 years. Her collection includes men's, women's and children's clothing as well as accessories, jewelry, embroideries and textiles from the early 18th century through the 1920's. Suellen has also designed and built many of the 'mannequins' which are being used. Suellen received her conservation training from the noteworthy Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) in New York City and through extensive personal research. Credited to her accomplishments are exhibits at the historic Durand-Hedden House, the John Joseph Henry House, the John Sebastian Goundie House, Burnside Plantation, Jacobsburg Historical Society, Landis Valley Museum, Historic Bethlehem, and she served as a consultant for the "Ancien Regime" exhibit (at F.I.T) in conjunction with the Kyoto (Japan) Costume Institute. She lives in Lambertville, New Jersey with her son, Stephen
.
Lynn Symborski has been enamored with historic costume and fashion since childhood. A graphic artist by profession, she graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, and received her degree in illustration and design. She and husband John are also directors of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble, performing 18th and 19th century programs at historic sites in the Delaware Valley area. As an historic seamstress for Williamsburg Rose Fashions, Lynn researches and recreates styles of dress from the Renaissance to the 20th century for individuals and events from re-enactors to bridal and museum work. Past projects include an 18th century black silk "calash" bonnet for Mount Vernon, George Washington's Virginia home, and textile conservation on authentic 18th and 19th century garments. Lynn also gives lecture-demonstrations on Colonial and Victorian fashions, and has worked with historic sites for period costume displays. "Styled for the Season - Fashions of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras" and "Shades of White - Brides of Delaware County, 1860-1920" were featured at The Grange Estate in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania..Both 18th and 19th century clothing was highlighted in "Fashion in Exile" an exhibit at the LaPorte House at the French Azilum, PA in 2005.
When not involved in activities of Olden Times, John and Lynn tend to a family of pet parrots at their home in Pottstown, PA. email:TapestryLJ@aol.com

With Thanks To:
William A. Brobst (Administrator for Pottsgrove Manor) for handling all arrangements, logistics, organizing the exhibit and the loan of a number of items on display; and to Ed Hulmes, our Volunteers Liason and Assistant, for his time and hard work; and John Symborski, who lent an extra pair of hands whenever they were needed. In addition special thanks to all who also lent a number of original and/or reproduction clothing and accessories items: music room bentside spinet harpsichord made and lent by John Symborski; other instruments lent by Suellen Tatrai.

Reproduction Costumes & Accessories
The reproductions shown have been meticulously researched using books, original patterns, and hands-on examination of extant garments from the period. A majority of the sewing and decoration was done by hand as it was 200 years ago; with some of the extremely elaborate outfits taking more than 200 hours of work! Since living in the 21st century does not allow enough time for the indulgence of exclusive hand stitching, machine sewing has been used on interior areas on many garments. The reproduction clothing was created by Suellen Tatrai and Lynn Symborski (marked ST or LS in the descriptions), unless otherwise noted. All garments are personal interpretations of period styles and as such, are not meant as exact copies of existing pieces. Certain items, such as shoes, stockings and buckles are commercially available and obtainable from shops or sutlers specializing in 18th century reproductions. For these, the maker is not specified.

Pottsgrove Manor

Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown, PA

Pottsgrove Manor is the historic home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster, merchant and founder of Pottstown. During his ownership John Potts developed the land into a large working plantation, which by 1762 included a town of the same name. The town officially became Pottstown in 1815. As a prominent member of the Philadelphia Merchant class John Potts was appointed to the position of Justice of the Peace and was a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. He also was elected to the Philadelphia General Assembly for both Berks and Philadelphia Counties. The county of Montgomery operates the site under the direction of the department of History and Cultural Arts

Gregory A. Jackson, Historic Site Supervisor
100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464-6318
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 am to 4 pm; Sun. 1 to 4 pm
phone: 610-326-4014

Our email: PottsgroveManor@.montcopa.org

Website - Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown, PA

HOME - Kitchen - A Blessed Event - Finishing Touches - Closet & Hall
Musical Evening - Attic - Daywear -Office