Heads Up: A Hat Making Symposium for Endangered Crafts - Sat 16th AM Ticket

'The British Hat Guild,' presents a two-day symposium to celebrate Britain’s specialist millinery and hat making techniques that now feature on 'The Red List of Endangered Crafts.' Hosted in the heritage-inspired surroundings of 'The Founders’ Livery Hall,' and in partnership with 'Heritage Crafts' and 'The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers,' the event will bring together makers, historians, designers, and enthusiasts to honour skills deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural and fashion history.

By shining a light on these remarkable skills and the people who practise them, the symposium offers an opportunity to appreciate their enduring relevance and respect the rich legacy they represent within today's British craft and design industry.

Saturday 16th May, 9.45am – 1pm - Session 1

Please note you are purchasing a ticket for all the below talks for Saturday morning, please purchase separate tickets for further sessions.

Please arrive from 9.15am for coffee

Video Introduction by the British Hat Guild Chairman – Stephen Jones

Introduction by the Head of Heritage for the British Hat Guild Dillion Wallwork, followed by A Future for Heritage Crafts - Mary Lewis, Heritage Crafts

• In this presentation, Mary Lewis, Head of Craft Sustainability at the Heritage Crafts Association, explores the vital role of traditional crafts in the UK and the challenges the sector faces today. She introduces the Red List of Endangered Crafts, a key research initiative that identifies heritage skills at risk of disappearing due to factors such as a dwindling number of practitioners, lack of training routes and a lack of public awareness.This session will also provide opportunities to discuss the particular issues facing hat making and millinery and how the Red List can be utilised to provide support and advocacy for hat makers.

Straw Plaiting and Strip Sewing – A Perfect Synergy - Lucy Barlow and Veronica Main MBE

• Lucy and Veronica will share their passion and appreciation of these critically endangered skills, their collaborations and hopes for the future.

'Jaffe Feathers - UK's last remaining Plumassiers' Film

• Plume making at Jaffe Feathers, the last remaining feather dyer and manufacturer in the UK. A glimpse behind the scenes at how the team at Jaffe work together to sort, dye and process feathers into a range of Plumes which are utilised by a number of creative industries.

My Fascination with Feathers - Ian Bennett

• In this talk, Ian Bennett discusses the role of feathers within contemporary hat making and millinery, focusing on their relevance within today’s fashion and creative industries

Swiss Straw Braid Demonstration by Jo Willis

On Saturday, between talks, there will be a small demonstration of Swiss Straw work by Jo Willis, a member of the British Hat Guild who has been learning this straw technique for the past few years. The technique of using split wheat and rye straw to create exquisite straw braid and decorative trims for the straw hat industry, was developed in Switzerland; its heyday was during the 19th century.

Accessibility

The venue is accessible via a lift. However, we regret that there are currently no accessible toilet facilities available on site. Please contact us in advance if you would like to discuss access requirements at [email protected]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher 'The British Hat Guild'