The book Costume Balls: Dressing Up History, 1870-1927 receives award from the Costume Society of America

The Millia Davenport Publication Award recognizes and promotes excellence in the publication of costume, dress, appearance, and fashion related scholarship. The award is given annually to a newly published book or exhibition catalogue that makes a significant contribution to the above studies, reflects original thought and exceptional creativity, and draws on appropriate research methods and techniques.

The Millia Davenport Publication Award, first given in 1991, is named in honor of Millia Davenport (1895-1992), noted costume scholar, theatre designer, and founding member of the Costume Society of America. Her theatre work brought her international acclaim. She established and catalogued the library at the American Museum of Folk Art. Her major published work, The Book of Costume (1948), was a pioneering visual history of Western fashion from ancient civilizations through the late nineteenth century; it remains a standard reference.

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

Available to purchase online from 5 Continents Éditions and in bookstores

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.