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Costume drawing for The Misenthrope, The Guthrie Theater 1987, Jack Edwards
Costume design for The Misenthrope worn by Christine Lagerfeld, The Guthrie Theater 1987, Jack Edwards
Character in Costume: A Jack Edwards Retrospective
January 21 – May 20, 2012
Character & Costume: A Jack Edwards Retrospective highlights Edwards’ remarkable 50 year career from the Twin Cities, to New York City, to Los Angeles and Santa Fe. Edwards’ diverse career focuses on bringing characters to life through his detail oriented work. He creates spectacular costumes that engage viewers and allow them to understand the nuances of each character. This exhibition will feature dozens of refined costume sketches, photographs, press clippings, playbills, reviews, and 30 actual costumes designed by Edwards.
Edwards’ career began with a trip to New York City with five dollars in his pocket. In the 1950’s and 1960’s Edwards created one-of-a-kind commissioned opera gowns for stars such as Mildred Miller and Martina Arroya. Edwards also worked as Sir Cecil Beaton's assistant on the only musical Katherine Hepburn ever tackled entitled “Coco,” which was the story of Coco Chanel. Edwards had the privilege of conducting fittings with Hepburn and Chanel, under Sir Cecil's direction. After running the costume workroom for the Santa Fe Opera, Edwards moved on to Los Angeles, and worked as Bob Mackie’s assistant for one season of the Carol Burnett Show.
Back in the Twin Cities, Edwards worked as the costume director at the Guthrie Theater for almost 20 years, working with every director from Sir Tyrone Guthrie to Joe Dowling, the current director. For twelve years, Edwards brought children’s stories to life with his magnificent designs for the Dayton’s (and Marshall Field’s) 8th floor Christmas extravaganza, and co-creator of the Holidazzle Parade. Edwards also designed stage costumes for Lorie Line and her Pop Orchestra, and for a Prince tour in the early nineties titled Ulysses.
Edwards has kept one true constant: engaging in design processes that bring unique creations to life. His designs emerge from paper to the stage and exemplify his ability to imagine worlds that have not yet been realized.
Exhibition Guest Curators
Tim Carroll, Installation Artist
Liseli Polivka, Costume Director
Gabriel Backlund, Designer
For more information please visit: The Goldstein Museum of Design
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