“This hat is a unique one off piece made with the last section of this vintage raffia ribbon, a material that Mr Boyd bought in the 1960’s and has been waiting in our workroom to be used for the right hat. We love to make hats that use beautiful and rare materials but that still feel contemporary. There’s something really special about these one off pieces, they have a personality all of their own!”

“I spent my student days making hats without knowing what millinery was, until someone pointed it out to me and I had a lightbulb moment! I started working for Jane Corbett, who herself had previously worked for John Boyd. She suggested I visit him and I was incredibly lucky to walk into his studio at the right time where he took me under his wing as an apprentice. He started his business in the 1940’s and would tell us fascinating stories of clients and hat making from the past. He collected beautiful millinery materials, many which are no longer made, and showed us how to use them. Now that the business is in my care I love to use these treasured materials, it reminds me of Mr. Boyd and the history of the brand, so the heritage of hat making is now intrinsically linked to all of my work.

I often get asked if I was related to John Boyd, as he so kindly left me his business when he died, and although we weren’t related he was like family to me. He was so inspiring and generous with his time and sharing his skills, millinery really was his whole life, he was still making hats into his 90’s. He was a real character, funny and charming with hilarious stories of his career and life. I think about him often and when faced with the challenges of running a small business, I remember his wise words and to keep a sense of humour!”