200 YEARS OF A.V. CLOTHING STYLES ON EXHIBIT.

Byline: Peggy Hager Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Fashions from the 1770s to the 1970s go on display today at the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery's new exhibit.

Victorian and Edwardian clothing, military uniforms from World War I through the Vietnam War, flapper dresses, wedding dresses dating back to the 1920s and even vintage underwear will be on view - more than 100 clothing articles in all.

``We like to showcase different items that people have donated to us,'' said Norma Gurba, the gallery's curator. ``Over 16 years, we have collected a lot of clothing. There's a lot we couldn't show, not enough room. This is the first completely clothing and accessories exhibit we've done.''

The ``200 Years of Fashion in the Antelope Valley (1770-1970)'' exhibit will be on display from today until Nov. 25. A free opening reception will take place from noon to 4 p.m. today at the gallery, 44801 Sierra Highway.

Vintage parasol collectors Kellee Flanders and Barbara Chamberlain will put on a special presentation on ``The History of Parasols and Sunshades'' at 2 p.m. during today's reception.

The museum curator hopes visitors come away from the exhibit with an understanding that fashion can be fun and tell a story of what life was like when the clothes were worn.

``Fashion isn't always new - it goes back,'' Gurba said. ``Body piercing goes back to Victorian times.''

Gurba also pointed out that women painted their fingernails black during the 1920s and that when men first parted their hair in the middle it caused quite a stir.

The museum takes special steps to preserve its fashion collection, she said. The museum stores the clothing in acid-free boxes and tissue paper.

``Some of the flapper dresses ... were so heavy it's amazing they lasted so long,'' Gurba said. ``We're just appreciative that people think of us when they want to donate their items, and this is what makes the museum possible.''

The exhibit is sponsored by the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery Associates. Claudia Miller, a local antique appraiser and fashion researcher, assisted in the presentation.

Admission is free at the gallery, which is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Anyone who cannot attend during regular hours may visit the museum 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 19. That evening will feature a 5 p.m. reading by Antelope Valley poets.

For more information, call Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery at [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Museum assistant Jonathan Baker, aided by Darlene Harr, sets up 1920s dresses Friday for the historical fashions exhibit.

(2) Museum aide Darlene Karr arranges an 1860s-pioneer outfit.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer