DIANA, a celebration
is currently on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center through August 17th
2014. This sparkling exhibit has
travelled the globe to allow Diana’s admirers an up close glimpse of her life
in all its facets. Cincinnati is
the final stop on this worldwide tour.
At the tour’s conclusion all of its contents will be returned to William
and Harry. The display provides a well-balanced
look at the life and work of Diana Spencer princess of whales.
You often hear of Diana’s beauty, compassion, fragility, and
her ability to relate to everyone.
All of these aspects are reiterated in the exhibit. For me, the impressive takeaway however
was about versatility. It takes a
remarkable woman to be able to balance an outward softness of a mother, strength
of a humanitarian and political figure, sparkle of a crowd favorite, and the
sophistication of a princess. She
not only achieves this balance, but also was able to accomplish it in a way
that seems entirely genuine. To me
it is that versatility that makes Diana a role model and icon.
The exhibit starts by exploring the lineage that brought
Diana to her royal life. “The Spencer women” gives a view of her family genealogy
and the legacy Diana chose to continue with her work. Coming from a long line of strong women, Diana’s family is
woven through history. A number of familiar names known for their socialite
abilities to impress through entertainment, and those that impressed with their
philanthropy precede Diana in her family tree. Diana is remembered philanthropically with her ancestors.
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| Georgiana Cavendish may be familiar as the Duchess of Devonshire. She was celebrated for her beauty, style, political activism, support of women’s suffrage, and allegedly notorious adventures. She was immortalized in paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and later by Hollywood with the movie “the Duchess.” She was also born Georgiana Spencer and contributed not only to the impressive Spencer public expectation but also to the family heirloom jewelry collection. Georgiana is just one notable name in a full family tree. |
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| Riviere necklace picture from https://princessdianabookboutique.wordpress.com/2008/11/ |
Seeing personal heirlooms passed through generations is a
treat. ‘The Spencer women” gives
insight into Diana’s family as well as presents some of the family jewels in
sparkling splendor. Here too is a
note to versatility. The beauty of
Diana’s stunning crown is a combination of two previously crafted jewelry
pieces. Apparently, this
combination and reworking is a common practice in the royal jewelry vault. One item, a Riviere necklace originally
belonging to Georgiana Spencer, is constructed so that every diamond, all
hanging diamond pendants, and several large pearl drops are all
detachable. One portion of the
necklace can be worn as a bracelet.
Reworking, reinventing, and repeating great things in new ways is not a
new trend but one that Diana carries on with grace.
The next portion of the exhibit is dedicated to presenting
an intimate view of Diana’s childhood and formative years. It includes home movies, mementoes’,
personal journals, report cards, animal figurine collections, dance shoes,
photos, and many other personal items.
These small details are touching.
It is an unusual view of Diana as a girl and a lady. Diana’s softness comes through in the
bubbly handwriting, and the chipped animal statuettes, in the details.
Diana is relatable as a girl and young woman, and yet you
see all of the extra attention that goes into raising a Lady. The details of her childhood could be
similar to many. Then as she grows
older she goes to finishing school.
It is this point in the exhibit where you start to see the differences
in upbringing. With bound books to
track seating charts and details of hosted social events, to programs scrawled with
what was worn and who was met in the margins, every Lady must take care of the
details. Training to be a nanny or
a kindergarten teacher in school, and at the same time training for a life more
formal.
Following Diana’s upbringing is a review of the royal
courtship and marriage. Looking
smitten in tartan and the 1980s, this section focuses on the official timeline
and keeps things positive. A room
of pictures and letters is followed by Diana’s famous wedding dress. Puffy sleeves, special lace, a family
heirloom tiara, and one very impressive train fill the room. The details and handwork exhibited in
the famous dress and shoes are impressive. The royal wedding plays and it is a reminder of a romantic
time.
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| Princess Diana wearing her favorite: pink meeting with Sri Chinmoy, Kensington Palace, May 21st 1997 |
Next is a room lined with many of the dresses famous in
images of Diana. This could also
double as a review of the fashion of the 1980s and early 1990s as the styles of
the time are distinctly present.
Each ensemble is accompanied by a description of how it was chosen, how
it was worn, and how accessories were added to wear the outfit again in a fresh
way. Some ensembles are
accompanied by descriptions of how Diana chose them or felt while wearing
them. The evolution of Diana is
illustrated in her fashion.
A room dedicated to the causes she found so important is inspiring. Through videos, writings and
itineraries you see the dedication and compassion for the suffering. You see the Princess bring light to
challenging issues and to the faces of those she met and consoled. Diana is described as shy but she
overcame this challenge and shined in some of the most difficult
situations. Diana finds her voice
and passion in embracing those often cast off.
The exhibit transitions to the tragic conclusion of her
life. A floor to ceiling case is stacked
with books of letters to Diana and her family. Chills ensue at the illustration of how many lives she
touched. The final public
statement from Diana’s brother papers a wall. Rose petals carpet the floor, and a video of her funeral
procession plays on screen as “Good bye English Rose” pays tribute musically
over the scene. Diana’s life is
cut short, but her memory lives on.
Concluding the exhibit is a call to action. Additional information about Diana’s
causes lay in wait for action to be carried on by inspired exhibitioners.
http://www.cincymuseum.org/exhibits/diana-a-celebration
http://www.dianaexhibition.com/dianaexhibition
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