Suzanne Mess is being remembered as a local and international treasure – and Northumberland County Archives and Museum (NCAM) is honouring the renowned Canadian costume designer with a new extensive collection five years in the making.
The collection spans three generations and some 120 years.
“Suzanne…. was a formidable person – she was an incredible talent,” said NCAM curator Katie Kennedy. “For researchers and students and community members to learn about her life and how far she went on the international stage – to designing costumes for the best opera and theatre productions around the world as a single woman starting out in the 1950s doing this work in New York City, it’s a really incredible story, and it’s inspiring …”
Northumberland County just announced the addition of the new collection honouring the late Mess, who was also known for her long-time local ties. Later in life, Mess also donated her time and expertise to Northumberland productions.
The collection was donated by the estate of Mess and features more than 22 linear feet of records highlighting the histories of the Mess, Osler and Inkster families.
It’s remarkable to have these pictures, sketches and more intertwined with this collection, said Kennedy.
“We’re really excited to be able to offer to the public a glimpse into a new life that we have here, a new history, and also celebrate Suzanne as a local talent (who) will not be forgotten.”
The exhibit just publicly opened but the journey to this point started years ago.
In 2019, friends Valerie Russell and Barbara Henderson reached out to NCAM after Mess passed and to assess the large collection, which features personal and professional photographs, letters, military records, sketches, and memorabilia, reads a recent county release. The collection was so large that the Lakeshore Genealogical Society chipped in to help with the purchase of supplies to safely rehouse it at NCAM.
After carefully assessing and cataloguing materials over the past five years, the collection has now officially opened to the public – and in honour of the fifth anniversary of her passing.
Kennedy said NCAM was deeply honoured to receive such an incredible donation.
“This collection is a treasure trove for researchers interested in the Osler family, Canadian military, local heritage, and arts and culture. It provides an invaluable opportunity for our community to connect with a significant local family and ensures Suzanne’s legacy will be preserved and shared with future generations.”
The collection is meant to serve as a testament to her illustrious career and long-standing impact on the international stage, as well as her deep, enduring local connection, it was explained.
Mess was not only a trailblazer in costume design but also “a cherished member” of the local arts community.
Mess spent summers in the east-end Cobourg home referred to as “the Cedars.”
The collection is “a love letter” to this designated heritage property, which was retained in the family from 1898 to 2013 and is featured in hundreds of original family photographs spanning100 years.
Kennedy described a beautiful window back in time into this area.
“Suzanne started working for the New York City Opera in the 1950s and went on to design costumes for theatre and opera companies all around the world,” said Henderson. “She was an international treasure.
“When she decided to move back to the Cedars in Cobourg later in life, she generously donated her time and expertise to local Northumberland productions. She elevated our work and helped raised the bar for performances in the area.”
The museum is open by appointment only. Details are available via Northumberland.ca/NCAM.
NCAM is described as a cultural institution committed to preserving and promoting the stories of the people, places and development of Northumberland.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
