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Introduction

The Far Traveler

June 29 - September 3, 2000

Historically, people have traveled for many reasons: exploration, pilgrimage, migration, trade, diplomacy, or education. Until the advent of steam power in the 19th century, journeys were made on foot, on the backs of animals, in carts or carriages pulled by oxen or horses, or aboard boats powered by oars or sails. Traveling even short distances was time-consuming, and even for the wealthy, it was often risky and rough.

With the development of new modes of transportation, however, travel solely for the pleasure of visiting new places and seeing new things became more common. Railways, steamships, automobiles, and airplanes all fostered the growth of travel as a leisure activity.

To travel in comfort - and in style - required specialized clothing and equipment. And, of course, what necessity called for, fashion enhanced. Inspired and challenged by the requirements of portability and economy of size, designers created artful and ingenious solutions to the problems faced by the traveler.

The aura of romance and adventure surrounding travel also inspired artists to create works that reflected or influenced society's perception of travel and the means of travel. The works in this gallery reveal some of ways in which art and industry responded to the needs and desires of travelers and the concept of travel, during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Selected Objects

English

Picnic / Traveling Tea Set, early 1800s

James Tissot

The Two Friends, ca. 1881

Witcombe McGeachin Co., manufacturer

The Lindbergh Toile, 1927

Carlisle Shoes, manufacturer

Women's shoes, 1948

Surrey Classics, manufacturer

Dress, 1948

Surrey Classics, manufacturer

Belt, 1948

Louis Caplan, tailor

Woman's day suit, ca. 1907

English, London probably

Tumbler with Carrying Case and Stamp, ca. 1800-1810

American

Parasol, 1870s

Unknown artist

Women's shoes
No Image Available

American

Belt, ca. 1910
No Image Available

American

Cape and skirt, ca. 1910

English

Match safe

French

Flying helmet, ca. 1917

Mme. Howard, designer

Hat, ca. 1905

Unknown artist

Blouse, ca. 1964

Joyce Shoes

Pair of shoes, 1948
No Image Available

American

Cape and skirt, 1977

Bonnie Cashin, designer

Cape, 1977

Bonnie Cashin, designer

Skirt, 1977

Indian

Trousers, ca. 1910

Hoar & Co.

Suit worn by W. F. Whitehouse, ca. 1910
No Image Available

English, Birmingham England

Match Safe, ca.1885
No Image Available

European

Drinking glass, 1900s

Charles Sheeler

Yankee Clipper, 1939

American

Skirt, ca. 1910

Majestic

Blouse, 1948

Continental Possibly

Match safe
No Image Available

Unknown artist

Suit

Vera Maxwell, designer

Coat, 1975

Vera Maxwell, designer

Skirt, 1975

Vera Maxwell, designer

Blouse, 1975

French

Coverall flight suit, ca. 1917

French

Flying helmet, ca. 1917

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Flask, 1879
No Image Available

American

Bandbox, early 1800s

American

Hat, ca. 1880
No Image Available

Eric William Ravilious, designer

Travel Demitasse Cup and Saucer, ca. 1936-1940
No Image Available

Louis Vuitton, manufacturer

Trunk, ca. 1895

American

Duster, ca. 1910

American

Chemisette, ca. 1900

American

Boot, ca. 1917

American

Pair of boots, ca. 1917

American

Purse, 1900

Springs Industries, textile manufacturer

Furnishing textile length, ca. 1933-1940

Filcol, manufacturer

Evening dress, 1948

American

Skirt, 1880's
No Image Available

Unknown artist

Dress (jacket and skirt)

American

Boot, ca. 1915
No Image Available

American

Boots, ca. 1915

Franklin Simon Co., retailer

Cape, ca. 1910
No Image Available

C.A. Buffington Co., manufacturer

The Buffington Folding Chair, 1915-1920

Unknown artist

Men's shoes, early 1900s

American

Boot, ca. 1917

American Probably

Match safe, late 1800s

American

Set of Mechanical Drawing Instruments, mid 1800s

American Possibly

Match safe

LoBalbo, manufacturer

Coat, 1948

American

Collar, ca. 1900
No Image Available

American

Blouse, ca. 1916
No Image Available

English

Match Safe, ca.1890

Red Grooms

Mummy Bag, 1986

Madcaps, designer

Beret, 1948

Italian

Women's shoes, 1982

B. Altman Co., retailer

Duster, ca. 1910

George Wesley Bellows

Rain on the River, 1908

American

Umbrella, ca. 1900

Unknown artist

Women's shoes

Suzy

Beret, 1948

American

Match safe, ca. 1891

American

Women's shoes, 1960's

American

Duster, ca. 1910

French

Motoring veil, 1906

Betmar, manufacturer

Hat, 1948

American

Boot, ca. 1915

American

Jacket, 1880's

American Probably, Probably New York

Match safe, ca. 1886

Indian

Jacket, ca. 1910

Ronay

Handbag, 1948

Filcol, manufacturer

Suit jacket, 1948

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca.1910

Gaynes, manufacturer

Skirt, 1948

American

Coat, ca. 1880

American

Duster, ca. 1910

American

Dress, ca. 1905

D. G. Eldridge, Inc.

Shirt worn by Richard Merkin, 1967/1972

John Lobb, designer

Men's shoes, 1960s

Puritan Fabrics Co.

"Design Overseas", ca. 1939

More objects +

Exhibition Checklist

The Far Traveler

June 29 - September 3, 2000
View Checklist PDF

RISD Museum

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