Hat Collection - J Symons
(a) Bowler Hat
(b) Girl's School Woollen Hat
(c) Ladies Cloche Straw Hat
(d) Ladies Cloche Straw Hat
By Appointment to HM the Queen:
W Hayford & Sons was a London-based firm known to have been in existence 1910-20, with premises in Sloane Street and Regent Street.
At one point, the company was in possession of a royal warranty, indicated by the phrase 'By Appointment to HM the Queen' found on some garments.
Cloche Hat:
A cloche hat is a fitted, bell-shaped hat for women that was invented in 1908 by milliner Caroline Reboux. It gained popularity from 1922 to 1933 and is named after the French word for "bell" due to its shape.
Cloche hats are typically crafted from materials like felt, straw, or sisal and can be adorned with embellishments such as feathers or brooches. This style of hat is known for its snug fit, which hugs the head closely, creating a chic silhouette
Details
Details
(a) Markings on inside of bowler hat: "English Manufacture. Christys' London. Joshua Daw, Hatter, 10/11 High Street, Exeter"
(b) Markings on inside of schoolgirls' hat: "St Michael. Marks & Spencer. Made in the UK. Navy. One size"
(c) Markings on inside of cloche (with bows & ribbons): "The Lilliputian Warehouse. By Appointment bo Her MajestyThe Queen. W Hayford & Sons, 204-205 Sloane St, SW"
There is also a printed name tag inside with the name "Maureen Wallace")
(d) No markings found on inside of cloche (with small flowers)
In reference to Item (b): Schoolgirls' hat was owned by Madeleine Symons, Ashford Girls College, Kent
