Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Bill Cunningham's Bike & Other Personal Items Have Been Donated To The New-York Historical Society
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 17, 2017
Modified Feb 17, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Gothamist
View all 8
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 17, 2017
Modified Feb 17, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The late, great Bill Cunningham's personal effects have been donated to the New-York Historical Society, and select items will be on display there later this spring.
The NYHS has announced that the possessions of the celebrated NY Times fashion photographer and iconic New Yorker, who died at the age of 87 last June, are now a part of their permanent collection.
Donated by John Kurdewan, Cunningham’s right-hand man, and Louise Doktor, longtime friend and muse, the objects include Cunningham’s personal library of more than 200 books―stuffed with clippings, notes, inscriptions from authors, marginal annotations, and photographs―as well as the Biria bicycle Cunningham rode around the streets of New York, the Nikon camera he used to snap photographs of fashionable New Yorkers on the street and at society events, and his trademark blue jacket, among other items.
The items join "Facades," Cunningham’s collection of 88 photographs featuring historic settings, which were previously donated to them by Cunningham in the 1970s.
Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society said in a statement, "His death was deeply felt by all of us who knew him and respected his work, so it is with great pride that the New-York Historical Society becomes the new home for his earthly belongings. We feel extremely privileged and grateful that Bill’s longtime friends John and Louise have chosen to share their bequests with us. These objects will join Facades in our permanent collection, allowing scholars and admirers the opportunity to remember Bill’s legacy for years to come.”
Bill Cunningham at work in March 2016 (Scott Heins/Gothamist)
Among the items are "a custom-made bicycle helmet, given to Cunningham in 2005 by Bergdorf Goodman in a hat box covered with colorful images from his New York Times column; his pewter Living Landmark presentation plate from 2009, made by Cartier; the Medal of Excellence, presented to Cunningham in 2012 by Carnegie Hall, his longtime residence; and his millinery supplies from his time as a designer, including two hats in the process of being styled, his tools, and a collection of feathers."
Details about when the items will be on display have not been released yet. And if you haven't watched the documentary on Cunningham yet, Bill Cunningham New York , you can do so right here.
Tagged
bill cunningham
new-york historical society
nyhs
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Published Oct 8, 2026
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
What happens when NYC kids take lessons in rock music? Really good bands.
By
Jayson Greene
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
By
Sonia Rao
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
By
Alec Hamilton
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .