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9. The Finished Line: The Frances Neady Collection of Original Fashion Illustrations
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The jewel of Special Collections is the Frances Neady Collection, which contains over 300 illustrations by prominent 20th-century fashion artists such as Antonio, Kenneth Paul Block, René Bouché, Eric, Joe Eula, Esther Larson, Mats, and Ruben Toledo. These are the works of the masters who demonstrate originality and individuality in their art and who have earned the admiration of their peers. Many of the illustrations have been reproduced in well-known magazines and newspapers, and some artists represented created powerful visual identities for their clients, such as Dorothy Hood for Lord & Taylor, George Stavrinos for Bergdorf Goodman, and Jay H. Crawford for Bonwit Teller. The collection was established in 1983 as a memorial to Frances Neady, an inspiring and dedicated teacher of fashion illustration, who served on the faculties of FIT and the Parsons School of Design for 40 years. The Neady Collection owes its existence to the tireless efforts of Rosemary Torre, a retired FIT Illustration professor whose knowledge of, and passion for, fashion art has made this unique collection an invaluable resource for FIT students and industry professionals. With her guidance and support, the collection has grown from its original 45 illustrations, and the drawings have been borrowed and displayed by various outside organizations, including the Society of Illustrators. Ms. Torre is also a co-chair of the Neady Collection advisory committee, a group of experts in the field that oversees the growth of the collection through donations from artists and collectors. Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence. -- Henri Matisse (1869-1954)
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