Foundation, Cosmetic
Object number2008.33.6
Date1980-1989
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumGlass; metal; liquid makeup
Credit LineGift of Marsha V. Lambria
DescriptionGlass bottle with brown liquid makeup with black plastic top. Labels on sides.Dimensions3 x 8.5 x 5 in. (7.6 x 21.6 x 12.7 cm)InscriptionsLabel, front: "[image of female head with double "T"] Gloria Grate / GOLDEN SALON / GOLDIE'S BEAUTY SALON / DIST. PITTSBURGH, PA."
Label, back: "DARK COCOA / SATIN SKIN BASE / [directions for use]".
Label, sideways: "NET. WT. / OUNCE".
Historical NotesMakeup used and possibly sold in the Golden Hair Salon, located in the Hill District. Part of a collection belonging to Gloria G. Giddens owner of the Golden Hair Salon in the Hill District and Homewood from the 1950s to the 2000s. Gloria G. Giddens was born August 10, 1925, and was one of the first African American women to graduate from Earl Wheeler Finishing and Modeling School, a previously all-white school, in 1951. She owned and operated two separate hair salons and a wig shop in the Hill District on Centre Avenue. In addition, she operated a clothing boutique, sponsored fashion shows, and developed a cosmetic line. When she wasn't spending her time hobnobbing with Pittsburgh's African American social elite, Gloria sponsored charm schools for African American girls at the Hill District YMCA, serving as a role model to countless young ladies. She died from cancer in 2006.
Related institution
Golden Hair Salon
Related person
Gloria G. Giddens
(1925 - 2006)
Related institution
Earl Wheeler Finishing and Modeling School
Related institution
Young Men's Christian Association
On View
Not on view
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c. 1942
Stanley
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