bonnet

One Hundred Years Of Hats

 

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