Award-winning author and historian Elizabeth L. Block discusses her book “Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing” where she explores the diverse history of women’s hair. Elizabeth re-establishes the cultural power of hair in 19th century America by examining the places, spaces, and time devoted to its care and artistry. She takes a deep dive into the wonderful hair styles of the nineteenth century, and the industry behind it.
Elizabeth uses methods of visual and material culture studies informed by concepts of cultural geography, identifying multiple substantive categories where hair had a pronounced impact. She also dives into the untold stories of business owners, many of whom were women of color, and the creators of trendsetting styles. The result of looking closely at the places and spaces of hair is a reconfiguration that allows a new understanding of its immense cultural power.
Get the book here: https://goo.gle/3Xej29Q
Learn more about here: https://www.elizabethlblock.com/
Elizabeth L. Block, an art historian, is a Senior Editor in the Publications and Editorial Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She holds a PhD in art history from The Graduate Center, City University of New York, an MA in American Studies from Columbia University, and a BA in English and art history from The George Washington University.
Her book, “Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion,” won the Victorian Society in America book award 2022, and was shortlisted for the Association of Dress Historians 2022 Book of the Year. Her articles appear in “Town & Country” digital, “Slate,” “The Magazine Antiques,” “American Art,” and “Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide.” She provides interviews to BBC, WWD, and multiple podcasts, including “Dressed” and "The Gilded Gentleman.” She speaks widely at venues such as the National Arts Club and New-York Historical Society. In 2023–24, she received fellowships at the American Antiquarian Society, Winterthur Museum and Gardens, and for the Attingham Summer School.
Moderated by Lindiwe Davis.