Veronica Main MBE is the most experienced traditional straw hat plaiter in the U.K. For more than forty years she has rigorously researched the hat industries of the U.K., Europe and the United States unlocking information and learning how to recreate plaits using authentic techniques by working as a forensic curator.
The aim of this website is to begin the process for passing on her wealth of knowledge about the hat industry and its plaiting industry for the benefit of costume historians, hat enthusiasts and anyone interested in preserving this once prolific craft before it disappears.
Within the costume world, curators and collectors frequently poorly describe straw hats, ignoring the amazing hidden histories they contain. By sharing her extensive knowledge, collected over four decades of forensic investigation into the history, materials and techniques, Veronica hopes to create an interest that encourages others to learn more about these glorious objects. Hats deserve to be better recognised in the world of costume history.
Straw Plaiting
Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags, and Baskets
Now available in book shops or online in UK, Europe, North America and Australia.
Full of information about the trade’s history around the world and how the plait patterns developed. Explanation of the trade’s tools. AND, clear instructions how to reproduce more than 50 historic plaits each with full details about the original plaits.
“This book is a researcher’s dream”
“ This impressive and thoroughly researched book traces the journey of straw from farmer’s field to finished hat. Veronica Main has covered the subject in depth with good illustrations, and the clearly drawn patterns show the many ways straw can be plaited ... we should now make more use of it as a renewable resource.”
Alan and Vanessa Hopkins,
The School of Historic Dress”
Image courtesy: Tring Historical Society/Mike Bass
Veronica now offers online talks.
Visit the Talks page.
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