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BBC 2 ON FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2018 AT  9 o`clock

In this episode, the makers discover Luton's glamourous secret. While today the town is famous for its airport, it is a little-known fact that Luton once led the world in hat-making. The team learn how the hat industry was transformed from a small rural craft into a global fashion phenomenon. Even today, every fashionable milliner from Philip Treacy to Stephen Jones goes to Luton for their millinery supplies. Presenter Steph McGovern takes the makers through the ages and they are guided by Awon Golding, a rising millinery star.

The makers begin their journey in the 18th century, making a fashionable straw Bergere hat. They sort individual pieces of straw into correct lengths, before plaiting it and hand-stitching it into a bonnet shape. The makers are shocked to learn that this painstaking work was done by children, some as young as 18 months old.

Next, it's the 1920s, when everyone in Britain was wearing a hat. The makers attempt to create a felt 'cloche' and 'trilby'. First, they make coloured dyes for their hats which proves to be a long, arduous and smelly process. Then, they work against the clock to 'block' felt hats into shape in order to satisfy the massive demands of the era.

The makers then move into the world of modern day couture millinery. There are still 17 hat-making businesses in Luton making extraordinary creations and their many high-profile clients include the royal family. Here, the makers are given complete free reign to produce a hat that expresses their personality.

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DEPUTY LIEUTENANT OF BEDFORDSHIRE

READ THE LINK BELOW

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/business/making-a-head-start-on-plans-to-promote-luton-s-businesses-1-8683241?fbclid=IwAR3oYyj6cMhPzKy2MWlZB2Q1RSdnDmVjH-AmkM5dYBmvZzEMvELx8iY8PRY

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Professional and experienced hatter, offering a wide range of exquisite hats, perfect for any occasion and time of the year.

We serve customers in Hertfordshire and throughout the country.

You are warmly invited to visit the studio

Just 25 miles from Central London,

30   minutes train from London St Pancras

1     minute walk from Luton train station

10   minute by Car  from Junction 10 of the M1

From THE STUDIO, we can offer you an exclusive consultation service to create, for any occasion, the perfect hat or head piece. With the highest level of experience and craftsmanship, each piece is made using the finest materials and is individually hand trimmed. Combine feathers, silk, veiling, felt straw...and also your own fabric to design and create a hat that compliments your outfit and your personality.

To buy a unique or limited edition piece from Philip's exclusive collection,  a visit to the studio is highly recommended.

All visits to the studio are by appointment only...contact us. Please remember to bring swatches of cloth or sketches of your outfit with any accessories you would like to wear, including colour cards of corsages or flowers.

If you have any questions about your hat or hats do remember to Ask The Madhatter ! Click the Ask The Madhatter  at tthe top of page

Famous Clients

Royal Vist

The Royal Visit Of Princess Ann At Walter Wright Hat Factory