Have you ever asked yourself how hat-making methods have altered and evolved through the ages? Me neither. But when visiting the excellent market town of Stockport, it’s worth finding out.
I was lucky enough to pop into Stockport Hat Works Museum with fellow Spotter Giulia on her visit from Rome.
We ventured through the museum’s exhibitions, which start with an insight into the beautiful, well-kept redbrick building and its history. Then came the pièce de résistance – an exhibition of hats from times long gone, complete with examples to try on and fool around with. From chefs to pillbox, from feathers to berets, from top hats to bowlers and back again, we got ourselves a thorough millinery education.
Another aspect of the museum that really impresses are its well-preserved and presented machines. All are accompanied by explanations of their origins, functions and decommissioning.
The UK’s only dedicated hatting museum captures the imagination, making it an ideal place for creatives generally. Its rooms are decorated with old hat boxes, interesting fonts, cash registers, posters and trinkets from the past.
Make sure you take the short trip south to Stockport when in Manchester. Its Hat Works Museum, brewery tour, historic marketplace, vintage shops, traditional pubs and award-winning pies should place it firmly on your agenda.
