Goodrum & Merryweather 'the Miller's Daughter' Hat

This elegant teardrop-shaped perching hat is steeped in Norfolk history and romantic narrative. Made from ivory wool felt, the hat is trimmed with two hand-sculpted Norfolk poppies, hand cut leaves, a scatter of twinkly veiling and some pearlescent beads. These elements come together to ravishing effect and will appeal to those who favour a neutral colour palette and sculptural styling. This hat would not look out of place as a bridal piece, particularly at an informal Winter wedding.

Made entirely by hand, the traditional way, at the Goodrum & Merryweather studio in the heart of Norwich, the design of this hat is inspired by the Norfolk Poppy-Land writings of Clement Scott during the late Victorian period. Scott visited the Norfolk coast and took up holiday lodgings at Mill House in the little-known village of Sidestrand. He not only fell in love with the quiet beauty of his surroundings but also with the millers daughter, Louie Jermy. He wrote of his experiences in a regular newspaper column, in poetry and also in his Poppy-Land book of 1894. He is widely viewed as popularising the Norfolk coast as a tourist destination and for forging the connection between the county of Norfolk and the poppy flower.

Free size, The Millers Daughter is secured to the head with a stretchy hat elastic (in white) that sits under the hairline for a firm, yet invisible and comfortable, fit. Fully lined to the underside with champagne-coloured raw silk that has been scallop stitched in the couture tradition, this is a special hat with a story to tell.

Goodrum & Merryweather : Handmade Millinery