Showtime for Hats | Exhibition

About

Showtime for Hats is the first UK exhibition of its kind, focusing solely on hats for theatre, film, TV and opera. It’s a celebration of the milliners and hatters in the British Hat Guild who create specialist headwear for this niche. This is a fantastic opportunity to see handcrafted original pieces made by the UK’s finest hat makers, many of whom have been in the business for decades!

Headwear being exhibited includes Timothy Daltonʼs topper from Licence To Kill (Lock & Co Hatters), Michele Pfeifferʼs stunning transparent lace hat from the film Cherie (Sean Barrett), Paul Kayeʼs felt trilby worn in Year of The Rabbit (Ellie Vallerini), Ian McKellenʼs extravagent panto hat from Mother Goose (Claire Strickland) and Eddie Redmayneʼs helmet from Cabaret (Noel Stewart).

Come and be inspired! So often the audienceʼs favourite character wears a hat.

‘Showtime for Hats’ is a free exhibition less than 5 minutes walk from Luton train station. It opens Monday 4th September and closes Saturday 28th October 2023.

If viewing on a mobile phone, click on the + in the top right hand corner find out more about opening times, panel discussion and free demonstrations in using millinery materials.

Eddie Redmayne in ‘Cabaret’ | Photographer: Marc Brenner | Milliner: Noel Stewart | Costume Designer: Tom Scutt | Costume Supervisor: Lucy Martin | Costume Maker: Will Skeet | Make Up Supervisor: Guy Common