About

‘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 historical 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.

Across a programme of talks on May 16th and 17th, the symposium will explore the craftsmanship, techniques, and stories that define traditional hat-making. Highlights include a talk by Rachel Trevor Morgan, milliner to the late Queen Elizabeth II, offering insight into the making of Her Majesty’s hats and their distinctive fabric flowers; a celebration of ‘Lock & Co. Hatters,’ as they mark 350 years as the world’s oldest hatters; and specialist sessions on straw plaiting and hatting, fabric pleating, plume making and Britain’s pre-industrial felt-making heritage.

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.