ExploreDance

Julius Lumsden is both a costume and set designer for the New York City Ballet and the Sadler Wells Ballet of London. An exhibit of his work, both costume sketches and original paintings, was on display at the Puccio Gallery, which is usually known for its fine stone sculptures. The varied media worked well together since both present rich layers of form and abstraction worthy of pondering. Sales of Mr. Lumsden's works benefited The Pajama Program, a charity that donates bedtime clothing and books to children in need.

The benefit was very well attended. Between the spare lines of the costume sketches, the colorful depth of the paintings and the rich fabric of the finished costume on display, the attendees got an up-close look at the range of Mr. Lumsden's fine work. I have remarked favorably on Mr. Lumsden's work in the past, such as the costumes for Vespro, the costumes for Thou Swell, and the set for Guide to Strange Places. It was a treat to see his work up close. Many of the paintings easily could have been a prototype for a ballet set's backdrop.

The photos of the event below are courtesy of Lucia Giudice.