Muscarelle Museum announces Glenn Close costume exhibition

Albert Nobbs Glenn Close in costume on the set of the 2011 movie, "Albert Nobbs." Costume design by Pierres-Yves Gayraud. Photo by Patrick Redmond ©Roadside Attractions

Mary Reilly 19th-century style, bustled dress with screen-printing designed by Consolata Boyle ("Mary Reilly," 1996 film) from the collection of Glenn Close. ©Photograph by Richard Goodbody

Lion in Winter Tabard and armor breastplate designed by Consolata Boyle, ("The Lion in Winter," 2003 television film) from the collection of Glenn Close. ©Photograph by Richard Goodbody

101 Dalmatians Faux tiger fur cape and bustier with leather skirt designed by Anthony Powell, construction by Barbara Matera ("101 Dalmatians," 1996 film) from the collection of Glenn Close. ©Photograph by Richard Goodbody

by staff | August 26, 2013

The Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William & Mary announced today that on Sunday, Sept. 29 it will open Glenn Close: A Life in Costume, which will run until Sunday, Jan. 12.

The exhibition, opening on the weekend that Close and her husband David Shaw will receive the Cheek Medal Award, is a selection from Close’s personal costume collection. It consists of ensembles worn by some of the most iconic characters from Close’s career in film, theater and television, including Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard), Albert Nobbs (Albert Nobbs), Alex Forrest (Fatal Attraction), Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians, 102 Dalmatians) and Patty Hewes (Damages).

One of the most distinguished graduates from William & Mary, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in theater and anthropology in 1974, Close was nominated for her first Tony Award in 1980 for her portrayal of Charity in the play Barnum. From there, Close went on to win three Tony Awards for Best Actress for The Real Thing (1984), Death and the Maiden (1992) and Sunset Boulevard (1995). She has six Academy Award nominations for her roles as supporting and leading actress in feature films, including The World According to Garp (1982), The Big Chill (1983), Fatal Attraction (1987), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), and Albert Nobbs (2012). She has won two Golden Globes for Damages (2008) and The Lion in Winter (2004), as well as three Emmy Awards for both Damages (2008 and 2009), and Serving In Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (1995).

“We delight in the generosity of Glenn Close in sharing these memorable costumes with her alma mater,” said Aaron De Groft, director of the Muscarelle Museum of Art. “These pieces are treasures in the world of popular culture, and we are so pleased to be able to offer the public the opportunity to view them in person.”

Close, who will be on campus to open the exhibit, said, “I am thrilled to bring this exhibition to the place that prepared me so well, on so many levels, for my life and my career.”

Close and her biotech entrepreneur husband, David Shaw, will receive the William & Mary 2013 Cheek Medal Award for their contributions to the arts as part of a series of events held Sept. 26-29. Close will also headline the second annual William & Mary Arts & Entertainment Festival.

General Information

Glenn Close: A Life in Costume will be on view at the Muscarelle Museum of Art from Sunday, Sept. 29 until Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The Muscarelle Museum of Art is located at 603 Jamestown Road on the campus of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

The First Tuesday Lecture Series entitled “A Life in the Arts”, complements the exhibition with presentations by faculty members and entertainment professionals. They share personal experiences and insights on Close’s filmography and work in Hollywood. For more information, call 757-221-2700 or visit www.wm.edu/muscarelle.

Hours
The Museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon until 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Museum is closed on Mondays.

Admission
During this exhibition, there is an admission fee of $15. Admission is free for Museum members, William & Mary faculty, staff and students, as well as children under 12.