I have spent many a lovely morning at Leeds Archive, it makes you stop and think and invites so many thoughts about the origin of objects and the lives they have had. I was invited to join the evening class students as they looked at feathered hats within the collection and were shown the damage the many bugs and creepy crawlies can do to feathered objects ( one of those itchy moments) a fantastic opportunity.
 |
| A flavour of the archive a place of magic and dreams |
I had seen the Philip Treacy hat that the museum had had commissioned for their Ruffled Feather exhibition in 2010 and knew how much it had cost and the trials and tribulations. It was still a privilege to see it so close and more importantly for myself to see its construction, how was the wire inserted, what was the ribbon that had been used? ( A stretchy velvet) How were the feathers added? Smaller quills support the main plumage. and what was the twist made of? It is so strange that the hat will never be worn, just live i its grandiose box and come out for exhibitions, an intriguing museum conundrum.
 |
| The underside of the Philip Treacy hat-key for every milliner to see how it was done |
 |
| Close up on centre twist - Philip Treacy feathered hat |
 |
| Ostrich feathers on Victorian Bonnet |
 |
| My Ruffled Feather hat Property of Leeds Museum and Galleries - Very strange to have one's hat brought out to be examined. |
I was very fortunate that when I designed a piece for the exhibition I was approached along with
Justine Bradley-Hill for the museum services to purchase my hat for the collection, a real honour.
But a funny feeling to have it there for others to critique and examine, all god experience.
 |
| hat by Justine Bradley-Hill |
 |
| One so much wants to put the Philip Treacy hat on your head, strange that it will never be worn. |
|
 |
| Stunning feathers - though not quite sustainable |
No comments:
Post a Comment