It is with great sadness that we learnt of the closure of one of Luton’s leading hat manufacturers Olney Headwear Ltd, on 21st December 2020.
Established in 1914, this family-owned and run business successfully navigated the many challenges thrown its way, constantly updating their products and practices. However, sadly even they have not been able to survive the devastating effects of Covid-19, brought about by the closure of their many retail stockists, with whom they had built a long and prosperous relationship.
“We at the British Hat Guild salute the owners and employees both past and present for the devotion they have shown to that wonderful accessory The Hat, the object of our passion and livelihoods.
As the British hat industry changes shape, the BHG members and friends look forward to being part of its future, but we will be building on the heritage and standards that Olney has passed down over generations...
Our tribute goes to Olney Headwear, its heritage, and staff. Your achievements, and the part you played for Luton will never be forgotten.”
From Olney’s original product, the straw boater - with which they remain synonymous - they went on to diversify into uniforms and hygiene headwear, and latterly soft hat and cap-making. In 2014 they proudly celebrated their centenary, championing UK quality made headwear. Since then they have become known to a new generation of hat-wearers through their production of tweed caps for the BBC hit show ‘Peaky Blinders’.
Top left: 4th generation owners Andrew and David Olney; top right: the Olney team pictured in their centenary year.
Above left: Luton Town FC 1959 FA Cup Final team; above right: a century of hat-making at Olney Headwear, Luton.
Photos courtesy of Olney Headwear Ltd.
Further Information
Roberto Perrone, BBC Three Counties Radio - interview with Guild member Veronica Main (at 0.48mins) and with Mavi Tzaig from The Panama Hat Co (at 3.38mins) available until 17th January 2021
‘Luton hatmaking facing crisis with the closure of ‘Peaky Blinders’ company’ Daniel Carpenter, Heritage Crafts Association