Creation
Millinery head, hand-painted and moulded papier mâché or carved wood and kid leather, inscribed 'Danjard Brevete' on the base, probably France, about 1840, Museum no. T.383-1984
The millinery workroom or atelier is the creative laboratory where hat designs are transformed from ideas into reality.
The methods, materials and tools have changed little in the past hundred year. Milliners still work seated around a large table with their scissors, needles and thread.
Straws, felts and fabrics remain the key materials used to pin and shape prototype hats on a calico-covered head known as a 'poupée'. From these prototypes a hat mould ('block') can be taken. Usually of wood, the block is an essential tool of the workroom. Milliners often amass a library of differently shaped blocks that can be used time and time again.
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Creation Plate by Mr. Brainwash for 1882 Ltd
The V&A Shop is delighted to showcase the work of 1882 Ltd from February to May 2013, featuring a number of collaborations and one-off designs. '…
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