Did you know that wars were started over the beaver pelts used to make fur hats? Or that hatters truly did go mad due to the mercury used in making hats? Learn this and more…

London Hat Week is pleased to host a screening of the documentary Mad About Hats – the only documentary film to look at the history and role of the felt hat! Its role as a symbol of class divisions, etiquette, the industrial revolution, a fashion item, a style statement. Has the hat, in our times, transformed itself into an eccentric, sophisticated luxury item, or does it simply succeed in helping its wearers to express their personality? Including interviews with milliners Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy.

Olivier Vandersleyen, the film’s director will also be joining us for a Q&A after the film.

London Hat Week is a collection of hat related events run by individuals and organisations across London, celebrating the art of hats in the City that is home to some of the most talented hat designers in the world. Find out more on the website.

Doors open at 19.00, for a 19.30 start.

Museum tours (for up to 20 people) will be available from 18.00, please contact the museum to reserve your place.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

£8.50 in advance, £10 on the door.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Billetto, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.