Join renowned fashion historian Rita Brown at the NOTL Museum’s next upcoming lecture on Thursday,
August 21 st , at 7:30pm, when she presents The Value of Worth. Rita Brown will delve into the life and
legacy of Charles Frederick Worth (1825–1895), the Englishman who became the father of French haute
couture and one of fashion history’s most influential figures. He founded the House of Worth in Paris in
the 1850s, which became the first true ‘couture house’. Brown will explore how Worth transformed the
world of fashion in 19th-century Paris, setting the foundation for the modern designer-client
relationship we know today.
Timed to mark the 200th anniversary of Worth’s birth, Brown’s presentation will also offer a rare look at
two remarkable garments from the NOTL Museum’s collection—including an early and seldom-seen
Worth creation, possibly acquired by a wealthy Buffalo family socialite.
“Over the years, descendants of Worth’s international clients have realized the value of his exquisite
dresses,” said Brown. “And thankfully, many of his creations have been preserved in museum collections
around the world, so we can continue to study and be delighted by the design innovations and
extraordinary textiles of the past.”
Brown will also highlight a current exhibition in Paris, which is celebrating Worth’s international legacy
by showcasing more than 400 items, including garments, accessories, paintings, objets d’art, perfumery,
and sketches.
Rita Brown is no stranger to NOTL audiences. From 1964 to 2007, she served as Head Cutter of women’s
costume—and for a decade, Head of Wardrobe—at the Shaw Festival Theatre. She also created principal
costumes for major productions at the Canadian Opera Company, Tarragon Theatre, Canadian Stage,
New York City Opera, London’s National Theatre, and the Gorky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
Rita has contributed to costume exhibitions at the Royal Ontario Museum, The Met, Victoria & Albert
Museum, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre. She is currently completing a book, The
Lady’s Riding Habit: The Evolution of Women’s Equestrian Dress, set for release later this year.
What: The Value of Worth: Fashions from the Gilded Age in the Museum’s Collection
When: Thursday, August 21 st : 7:30pm
Where: NOTL Museum, 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Admission: Free for Museum members; $15 for non-members.
To register: https://www.notlmuseum.ca/whats-on Registration is required as space is limited
For more information, call the NOTL Museum: 905 468 3912.
Lecture Series generously sponsored by Geoffrey & Lorraine Joyner