Stockport Hat Works hosted the very first ‘Hat Share’ event on Saturday 16th July, an event which celebrated the achievements of millinery students who have been learning hat-making skills at the museum and embraced the cultural heritage of our borough.
Davenport and Cale Green Councillor Elise Wilson, after attending the event, said ‘Hat-making is a skill which you can’t learn anywhere else in Greater Manchester and which is such an important link to our history.
‘The Hat Share was a fantastic opportunity for the students to showcase the amazing work they’ve been doing using hat-making techniques which Stockport remains world famous for.
‘I was privileged to attend alongside the family, friends and guests who came along to share in the success of the students completing their millinery courses.
‘Having met the tutors, they are incredibly friendly, skilful and engaging and I’d also like to thank them for the work they do to put on these great courses.’
At the event students were invited to bring their ‘Millinery Makes’ back to the museum for a pop-up exhibition. The programme of millinery courses for adults began 2 years ago and since then 93 people have learnt the ability to produce their own hats.
Councillor Wilson added ‘To celebrate and promote the best in local design I will be wearing a hat from Stockport-based designer Lyndsay Cooper at the Central Area Committee meeting on 11th August.
‘The Hat Works offers a full range of classes at weekends and evenings which I’d like to promote to all residents as an opportunity to interactively and engagingly learn a new skill. No prior knowledge or experience is needed – the classes are suitable for all abilities.
‘The new programme for 2016-17 is themed around ‘Style Icons’ and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get in touch to learn the unique art of hat-making.’
More information on upcoming millinery courses at the Hat Works can be found on Stockport Council’s website.
Stockport Hat Works is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear, and works with other cultural assets in the Town Centre including the Air Raid Shelter, Stockport Museum and Staircase House to provide a vital link with our past.