Drexel Family Special Collections

Drexel Institute Portion of the Museum, page 100. Drexel Family Photo Album, Volume 2, digital resource page 55. MC.00.001 Drexel Family Collection. Drexel University Archives. 2007029box17_054.

Drexel Institute Portion of the Museum, page 101. Drexel Family Photo Album, Volume 2, digital resource page 56. MC.00.001 Drexel Family Collection. Drexel University Archives. 2007029box17_055.

DREXEL FOUNDING COLLECTION

The Drexel Museum, today called the Drexel Founding Collection, was included in the early plans for the Institute as an educational resource and as a way to expose middle-class students to culture. Its initial art collection was built out of the private collections of Anthony J. Drexel, George W. Childs, and Drexel’s brother-in-law John D. Lankenau. 

In 1891, University founder Anthony J. Drexel gave James MacAlister, the future first president of Drexel, $1 million to purchase art in Europe for the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry opening in December of that year. The collections were displayed for students, staff, and the public in a museum on the first floor of the Main Building. Highlights from the Drexel Founding Collection are now displayed in three galleries on the University City campus and throughout the Main Building.

Anthony J. Drexel’s father, Francis M. Drexel, was a portrait painter prior to founding the family’s successful banking firm, Drexel & Co. Much like his father, Anthony carried an appreciation for art throughout his lifetime, as reflected in his personal art collection. Upon his death in 1893, his art collection was bestowed to the Institute. 

The Drexel Founding Collection now serves as a cultural and educational resource for Drexel University and the greater community by preserving and enhancing the elements of the collection through conservation, interpretation, and exhibition; increasing the enjoyment and enrichment of both the University and the general public.

Many of the works of art displayed on this site are Drexel Founding Collection objects. Read more about the collection and explore more objects on the Drexel Founding Collection’s website.

From the inside cover: “ON THE COVER. These three young ladies, all students in the College of Home Economics, Drexel Institute of Technology, are wearing late 19th and early 20th century costumes, three of 16 recently presented to Drexel's costume collection. Left to Right, are Marilyn Bittle, 1865-75; Marilyn Ellis, 1900-10; Roberta M. Barton, 1910.” [Remaining text cut off.]

“The Gossips,” July 20, 1952. Cover, Today: The Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine. Clipping. MC.00.041 Mary S. Irick Drexel Scrapbook. Drexel University Archives. 20060600005a.

ROBERT AND PENNY FOX HISTORIC COSTUME COLLECTION

The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection at Drexel University has its origins in the early acquisitions of the Drexel Institute when textiles were purchased alongside paintings, sculptures, silver, porcelain, and other examples of fine and applied arts. Donations from the extended social network of the Drexel family soon followed to further augment these holdings. Coming from members of Philadelphia’s social elite, these Drexel family items were especially fine and included many early examples of French couture by makers such as Charles Frederick Worth, Ernest Raudnitz, and Jacques Doucet. These important early acquisitions were the foundation for what is considered one of the finest university costume collections in the United States.

Heralded as a “world-class collection of fashion and textiles” by the Wall Street Journal, today the Fox Collection contains more than 20,000 garments, textiles, accessories, and other related materials. The Fox Collection preserves a wide range of fashion history—from late Renaissance textiles to Parisian Haute Couture to international high fashion from the mid-20th century onwards. Included among the collection are works by celebrated designers of the past—Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, Charles James, and Elsa Schiaparelli—as well as more recent fashion by Issey Miyake and Ralph Rucci. The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection is the proud steward of the James G. Galanos Archive that includes over 700 ensembles and includes thousands of related materials such as sketches, swatches, and photographs from the personal archive of one of the most celebrated designers of the 20th century.

Fox Historic Costume Collection materials donated by Alexander J. Cassatt.

These clothes came from the closet of his fashionable mother, Amanda “Minnie” Drexel Fell Cassatt (1880-1954). Her husband Robert Kelso Cassatt (1873-1944) was the son of Pennsylvania Railroad president Alexander J. Cassatt, Sr. (1839-1906) and nephew of painter Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1824-1926).

Stay tuned for more Fox Historic Costume Collection materials worn and donated by Drexel family members.

Mary S. Irick Drexel donated pieces from her closet and personal collection including parasols, hats, her wedding dress, and clothing in various shades of blue, which may have been a favorite color.

In addition to acting as ambassador to ten different countries, Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr. was considered one of the most fashionable men in the world, during his day. His signature look included a horizontally pinstriped shirt.

We hope to add additional images from their collections as photography becomes available.