
I had the exciting opportunity yesterday to see some rare hats from a costume historian’s private collection. Meridith Towne is a costume historian and dressmaker, and gave a wonderful insight into the history of the hat at her talk: “One Hundred Years of Hats” (1860-1960) at Middlesbrough Library last night.
The Newark based historian has such enthusiasm about the subject, I was given the impression that the talk only slightly touched on her comprehensive knowledge.
Above: Edwardian Hat pins; a handy weapon for ladies at the time
I was amazed to see some pieces have only seen in books and museums such as this wired hood that would protect straw bonnets.
Above: Victorian bonnet protector
Above: Victorian Bonnet Cap
Meridith kindly allowed everyone to take photographs and even try on some of the hats at the end of her talk, so I’d certainly recommend attending one of her future talks.
Above: Late Victorian velvet hat
Above: Late Victorian Straw Flower Pot Hat
Above: Late Victorian Bonnet
Above: Millinery trimmings
Above: Sequinned Lily trimmings
Above: Edwardian First World War Ladies Hat
Above: Feather flower trimming
My favourite piece from the evening was this 1930's wide brimmed straw hat trimmed with hand-made flowers- delicious!
Above: 1930's Straw Hat
Lastly I couldn't not mention the adorable little hats that cupcake baker "Tilly's Creative Cupcakes" made for the evening. Which meant everyone happily ate their own hats.
~Jayne