Finishing Touches Exhibition, accessories throughout the ages

May 24- October 14, 2024

Accessories have been a part of fashion since the beginning of civilization. From jewelry to handkerchiefs, hats to shoes, these items have provided the “finishing touches” to a person’s ensemble. This display highlights items from the collection that would add personality and individuality to the wearer’s outfit as well as demonstrate gender and class. Functional and fashionable, these pieces highlight accessories through the decades.

Exhibition open Thursday–Monday
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

last entry at 4:30 p.m.

“How the exhibition came to be”

by exhibition curator Molly Liolios

While conducting an inventory of the collection at the Portsmouth Historical Society, I noticed that the number of accessories in storage was outstanding. There was a sampling of every category―hair accessories, hats, canes, gloves, shoes―you think of it and we probably have it in the collection. “Finishing Touches” highlights the pieces that often get overlooked on a person’s ensemble. The little personal touches that can offer insight into the wearer’s true self.

Exhibition Curator Molly Liolios cleaning a pair of vintage sunglasses

Comb, probably American, late 19th century. Tortoiseshell, silver and mother of pearl inlay. Portsmouth Historical Society (786)

Unidentified female artist, pair of large mittens. Probably Portsmouth area, 1800-1810. Wool. Portsmouth Historical Society; Miss Alice Martha Hall (776)
Sun goggles, probably American, circa 1920s – 1930s. Metal and plastic. Portsmouth Historical Society (2023.022)

In this exhibitionthe majority of objects date to the 19th century with a few examples from the 20th. A few favorites include a pair of shag mittens from the early 1800s, which have a pink tulip design on the hands, a tortoiseshell hair comb with a floral pattern of silver and mother-ofpearl inlay from the late 19th century, and a pair of sunglasses in their original case from the early 1900s.