Guy Morse-Brown
Hat Blocks (various)
A small collection of hat blocks hand-crafted in the traditional way using traditional materials. Some blocks are based on vintage shapes and others ask the question, is this a tool, or a work of art in its own right? We love to look at history, whether it is in images of past fashions, or old blocks themselves whose very presence evokes a bygone age when hats were worn ubiquitously, where the pace of life was slower, and where pride was taken in a well done job, regardless of the time, cost and effort needed.
Price: various.
Materials and Techniques
The hat blocks and tools are made from beautiful timbers such as lime (also known as linden), walnut, box and cherry and for the most part are now sourced in the UK. Hat blocks can vary from one that must be exactly the shape and design of the finished hat, through to more generic shapes from which can be made a huge variety of hats. However, the starting point must always be right; good timber, good tools, a thorough knowledge of design, proportion and style, a high degree of skill in carving wood, and very importantly an understanding and experience of the blocking techniques that will be used on the block. All of these are endless subjects of course, but Guy Morse-Brown Hat Blocks are dedicated to increasing their knowledge and skill on a daily basis.
Millinery Heritage
Guy Morse-Brown established this award-winning business in 1995 having already spent many years crafting exquisite things from wood. In 2008 Guy was awarded an MBE for services to millinery and skills training and also during that year a new purpose built workshop was set up by his son Owen, who now directs the business with his wife Catherine. In May 2015 Owen was awarded the Herritage Crafts Association Maker of the Year Award ‘in recognition of outstanding craftsmanship and for contributing to Britain’s rich craft heritage in doing so’. We feel privelaged to be part of a movement that is taking seriously the possibility that many crafts and skills could be lost if they are not protected and nurtured.
“Having gained transferable design and woodworking skills, from starting out as a full time luthier, making early stringed instruments for professional and amateur musicians around the world, taking over my father’s business making hat blocks was an easy transition. Whether in my hat block work or work with early musical instruments I am fascinated with the ancient and traditional ways of doing things in all aspects of life. My father passed his knowledge, skills and a lot of his tools to me and later in life, my grandfather, who was also a violin maker and repairer left me all his tools, notes and books. To be part of a tradition being passed on from generation to generation is a very special thing and I am enjoying teaching the next generation in my workshop so that precious ways are not lost to obscurity. In 2008 I took over my father’s business making wooden hat blocks for milliners and hatters worldwide.
There is something about making things with your hands that is addictive. Making things by hand has been going on since the beginning of time and it is something I am very passionate about. It gives us a sense of achievement, of permanence, and no matter how big or small, important or insignificant, it brings pleasure to both the maker and the recipient.”
About Guy Morse-Brown
Having spent time in my father’s workshop as a child, I began making musical instruments at the age of fifteen. I went on to study with Arthur Robb (lutes) for two years while studying music at Bath Spa University College before completing my post graduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music. Whilst embarking on a performing carreer I frequestly met musicians looking for traditional instruments and set up as a luthier in Wiltshire specialising in early bowed strings. Many years later my father passed on the hat block making business to me to run alongside my lutherie business. Making things by hand has been going on since the beginning of time and it is something I am very passionate about. It gives us a sense of achievement, of permanence, and no matter how big or small, important or insignificant, it brings pleasure to both the maker and the recipient.