The book Costume Balls: Dressing Up History, 1870-1927 receives two honours

Edited by Cynthia Cooper. Photographs by Laura Dumitriu.

Co-published by 5 Continents Editions and the McCord Stewart Museum, this book, beautifully illustrated with recent and archival photographs, features contributions from several of the Museum’s specialists. Cynthia Cooper looks at the appeal of fancy dress costumes from a contemporary perspective and examines the foundational myths behind the choice of historical figures represented; Jonathan Lainey, Curator, Indigenous Cultures, investigates how Indigenous cultural belongings were used to create fictional representations of the “Indian”; and Zoë Tousignant, Curator, Photography, explores the popularity of composite photography as a means of recording these costumed spectacles. In the epilogue, Caterina Florio, Head, Conservation, describes the challenges involved in treating the impressive group of 40 ensembles featured in the exhibition.

Co-publishers: McCord Stewart Museum and 5 Continents Editions

288 pp., hardback, available in English and French versions

CAD $65.00

On sale at the Museum Boutique

Backed by the A2C in collaboration with the SDGQ, the Idéa awards celebrate the best of creative communications in Quebec. Based on a formula inspired by the biggest national and international competitions, they recognize the diverse talent of local professionals, artisans and clients in six major disciplines: advertising creation, design, media, digital products and experiences, craft/production, and business results and strategy.

The Prix du livre d’art is awarded for a book in the field of art history that is aimed at a wide audience and offers readers an original approach to a theme, a work of art or a field, while renewing their interest in it. The prize is supported by the city of Ajaccio, which endows it with a sum of 3,000 euros. The exhibition catalogue prize is a complementary award for a publication accompanying an exhibition held between May of the previous year and May of the current year.

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A landmark for over 100 years, the McCord Stewart Museum bears witness to Montreal’s history as Quebec’s largest city as well as its influence in Canada and around the world. It celebrates the vitality, creativity and diversity of the communities who live there. The Museum amplifies their voices by interpreting and disseminating the remarkable historical heritage under its care—six collections comprised of 3.2 million images, objects, documents and works of art—making it one of North America’s leading museums.

In keeping with its commitment to decolonization and sustainable development, the Museum adopts a critical and inclusive perspective on social history and contemporary issues to create stimulating exhibitions, educational programs and community activities that inspire its audience to take action towards a more just society.