Just in time for the summer beach season, Vancouver Maritime Museum has launched their latest exhibition. Babes & Bathers is a look back the history of the swimsuit. From the introduction of woolen swimming costumes in the late 19th century through its many changes to the technical lightweight swimsuits of today.
Drawing from the collection of noted fashion historian Ivan Sayers, the exhibition also includes photos and memorabilia from Vancouver’s beaches including a tribute to Joe Fortes, the legendary English Bay lifeguard. Interspersed with archival advertisements from Portland, Oregon’s Jantzen Swimwear to add further historic colour and commentary, the exhibit also sheds light on the moral changes that have happened over the last century.
Babes & Bathers: History of the Swimsuit, is open now and runs until November 2, 2014 at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave.
The museum is open Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm (Thursdays 5pm-8pm by donation). Adult admission is $11. Pre-purchase admission tickets online or at the museum.
Watch for special event like the upcoming “A Surprising Amount of Nudity” a discussion on the history of English Bay beach in the 1890 and early 1900’s with historian Neil Whaley.