Released on = February 16, 2007, 6:09 am

Press Release Author = The American Museum in Britain

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = Celebrating a new wave of feminine independence set amidst
an iconic era of love, money, self-deception, treachery and social climbing, The
American Museum in Britain has just announced their upcoming 2007 exhibition Dollar
Princesses. Showcasing the alluring privileges and decadence of an elite society
where spirited and assertive women emerged .

Press Release Body = Making its debut in March 2007, The American Museum in Britain
will unveil their most highly anticipated exhibition yet, Dollar Princesses -
American Heiress to Peeress in late Victorian and Edwardian Britain. The cast being
a very special roll call of poised leading ladies that married into the aristocracy
in late Victorian and Edwardian Britain. The Dollar Princesses - a term, even
adopted by the ladies themselves - were the new bold feminine ideal where cash meant
a marriage of convenience and a desirable title and situation to secure her planned
destiny.

In the 1870s, London was recognised as the social capital of the world and Britain
offered a wealth of history that was the envy of America. To reach such lofty
heights was the goal of many a bourgeois American mama, whose rich daughters would
look to British high society to satisfy social aspirations and claim a title. It
was an invasion with such social impact that contemporary artists and writers on
both sides of the Atlantic often reflected upon the winning abilities of the Dollar
Princesses chronicling their triumphs and travails. The museum's curator Laura
Beresford explains, "We will explore what prompted these women to invade British
society, what their influence was both upon society and fashion, and we will follow
the lives of several well known Dollar Princesses."

The exhibition layout is set to have a unique theatrical presentation. Upon
entering the exhibition, visitors will be greeted by an extensively illustrated
'Cast of Characters' and a stage set staircase on which costumed mannequins will be
arranged as if descending down directly into the exhibition space. The dresses were
designed for film adaptations of Henry James and Edith Wharton novels. Once worn by
Nicole Kidman and Uma Thurman, they will be put on open display.

Dollar Princesses is set to be more than just another show of elaborate frocks. It
will acknowledge that a grittier reality of lies and surprises often existed in
their personal histories beneath the glitter - a point well documented in the
personal histories of some Dollar Princesses.

The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience a treasure-trove of private
evocative portraits, letters, film clips, photos, jewels and press cuttings. The
leading players include Winnaretta Singer, the banjo-wielding Consuelo Yznaga
(Duchess of Manchester), the sassy Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill and mother
of Winston), Lord Curzon's devoted Mary Leiter (vicereine of India), the swan-necked
Consuelo Vanderbilt (Duchess of Marlborough) and the feisty Cara Rogers (Lady
Fairhaven) - great aunt of the museum's founder, Dr. Dallas Pratt.

Laura Beresford believes Dollar Princesses were the supermodels of their era: "The
Gibson Girls were the glamour models of their day. Every lady wanted to dress like
them, but few could afford to. Those that had the looks and finances to stay abreast
of fast-developing fashion trends enjoyed great privileges."

Dollar Princesses includes exhibits coming from Blenheim Palace and the National
Trust. The museum has also been fortunate in securing on loan, precious items from
public collections and private individuals - most notably members of the Churchill
family. The Churchill connection looks set to prove a considerable draw to the
public.

The American Museum in Britain, based in Claverton on the outskirts of Bath, opens
this exhibition on 17th March 2007. The exhibition runs until October 28th, entry is
included with a museum's ground ticket £7.50 adults, £6.50 Seniors/Students, £4
Children. Further information on the exhibition can be found on the American Museum
in Britain's website at www.americanmuseum.org or by calling the museum at 01225
460503.
Laura Beresford, Curator, is available for Interview. Images available on request.
- ENDS -

About the American Museum in Britain
The American Museum in Britain is situated at Claverton Manor overlooking the Avon
valley just outside Bath. Since 1961, it has been the only dedicated museum of
Americana outside the United States celebrating the development of American
decorative arts. The museum is set amongst 120 acres of extensive and spectacular
grounds that include a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon Garden, a
colonial herb garden, a large arboretum of rare American trees and two breathtaking
walking trails.

2007 promises to be a key year in the history of The American Museum in Britain.
Dollar Princesses will be a fitting counterpart to the new American Heritage
galleries; attracting young and traditional audiences to the museum with its
references to literature, costume, film and the nature of celebrity.



Web Site = http://www.americanmuseum.org

Contact Details = For further media information please contact:
Jake Stavrinides
apt marketing & pr
Parker Court
Knapp Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
01242 250692
jake@aptmarketing.co.uk