Cross Dress Collection

FRANCES BENJAMIN JOHNSTON (1864-1952). American photographer. Dressed as a man and posed with a bicycle. Photograph, c1890

The violin (colour litho)
8635580 The violin (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The violin. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Fujimura Handayū II in a Dance Scene, 1720s (hand coloured woodblock print)
883414 Fujimura Handayū II in a Dance Scene, 1720s (hand coloured woodblock print) by Japanese School, (18th century); 29.1x14.4 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN

The Variety Club luncheon at the Savoy. Pictured left to right, Polly James, Danny La Rue and Glenda Jackson. Polly James received the Most Promising Artist award for her performance in the stage

OTTO VON BISMARCK (1815-1898). Otto von Bismarck as The Farmers Daughter: American lithograph cartoon, 1878

PAULINE CUSHMAN (1833-1893). American actress and spy. Tintype, c1885

JAPAN: KABUKI ACTORS, 1794. The actors Sawamura Sojuro and Segawa Kikunogo, one in the role of a woman, in costume for a kabuki play. Color woodcut by Toshusai Sharaku, 1794

JAPAN: GEISHA, c1782. The Japanese actor Segawa Kikunojo III in the role of a geisha. Color woodcut by Shunsho Katsukawa, c1782

LORETA JANETA VELAZQUEZ (1842-1897). Cuban-American woman who served as a soldier for the Confederate Army. In disguise as Lieutenant Henry T. Buford. Engraving, c1876

LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE (1644-1710). French noblewoman and mistress of Louis XIV from 1661-1667. Louise placing a wreath of flowers in the head of Louis XIV, disguised as a female

SARAH EMMA EDMONDS (1841-1898). Canadian-American nurse, soldier, and spy. Disguised as a Union soldier during the Civil War. Engraving, c1865

HARRIGAN AND HART, c1880. Vaudeville actors Ned Harrigan and Tony Hart (Anthony Cannon). Engraving, c1880

HAZEL CARTER (1894-1918). American army wife, who cut her hair and stowed away on a ship bound for France in order to be with her husband, Corporal John Carter. Photograph, c1917

NAST: ELECTION, 1876. Hen(dricks)-Pecked. Cartoon by Thomas Nast, 1876, depicting presidential running mates Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas Hendricks nursing their inflation rag baby

NAST: ELECTION, 1876. A Hard Summer for the Soft Rag Baby. Cartoon by Thomas Nast, 1876, depicting presidential running mates Samuel J

JEFF IN PETTICOATS, c1865. Sheet music of Jeff in Petticoats, by Henry Tucker and George Cooper, 1865

Male swimmers part of the Dartford Carnival procession. 1939

(1832-1919). American physician and womens rights advocate. Photograph, c1912
MARY EDWARDS WALKER (1832-1919). American physician and womens rights advocate. Photograph, c1912

American banker and financier J. P. Morgan gives dictation to his secretary, an obedient U. S
MORGAN & ROOSEVELT, c1905. American banker and financier J.P. Morgan gives dictation to his secretary, an obedient U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt (left). American cartoon, c1905

THE NEW WOMAN, c1897. A woman wearing knickers and smoking a cigarette watches a man washing laundry in a tub. American stereograph, c1897

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"Breaking Boundaries: Exploring the Art of Cross Dressing Through Time" In a world where societal norms often confine us, some individuals have dared to challenge conventions and embrace their true selves. From Frances Benjamin Johnston, an American photographer who defied gender expectations by dressing as a man, to Fujimura Handayū II captivating audiences with a dance scene in 1720s Japan, these historical figures remind us that self-expression knows no boundaries. The Variety Club luncheon at the Savoy brings together Polly James and Glenda Jackson, two trailblazing women who shattered stereotypes in the entertainment industry. Their presence serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and individuality. Pauline Cushman, an actress turned spy during the Civil War era, used her ability to cross dress as a means of gathering intelligence. Her courage and resourcefulness highlight how gender can be transcended for greater purposes. Japanese Kabuki actors Sawamura Sojuro and Segawa Kikunogo mesmerize audiences with their transformative performances. These talented artists demonstrate that cross dressing is not limited to Western cultures but has been embraced worldwide throughout history. Segawa Kikunojo III takes on yet another role in Japanese theater - that of a geisha. This portrayal showcases the fluidity of gender roles within traditional art forms and challenges our preconceived notions about femininity. Ada Rehan, an Irish-born American actress, fearlessly took on male Shakespearean roles during her career. Her talent knew no bounds as she effortlessly embodied characters regardless of their assigned gender. Loreta Janeta Velazquez breaks free from societal constraints by serving as a soldier during the American Civil War disguised as Harry T. Buford. Her bravery exemplifies how one's identity can transcend traditional expectations even in times of conflict. Louise de la Valliere captivated Louis XIV's heart despite being labeled merely his mistress. As a French noblewoman, she defied societal expectations and left her mark on history.