Saturday 03 Oct 2026

Bath & County Club, Queen's Parade, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2NJ

Jane Smith - Hat Making for film & Ceremonials

Jane 'The Hat' Smith started making hats for film and theatre in 1968 and worked in felt, straw, buckram, plastic, fabrics and also particular work for commercials and re-enactors.

At the same time she taught for over 20yrs at Morley College, London College of Fashion, Wimbledon Art College, Northbrook and Rose Bruford Costume Colleges and at Summer Schools in Scotland, RADA, Guildhall, Fullerton College, Orange County in Los Angeles, Oslo and Copenhagen and at The Chateau Dumas in France.

Now after 50 years of period hat-making Jane has taken a side step to write about them. She continues to make legal and diplomatic hats for Savile Row and the Robemakers, Ede and Ravenscroft, in Chancery Lane.

Rebecca Gray - Hats in Motion: Storytelling, Circus, and Marionette Puppetry

Rebecca established her millinery company in 2021 and, that same year, was honoured to be recognised as an award-winning milliner, receiving The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers Design Award. Based in South East London, her studio creates bold, evocative headwear inspired by the spectacle of the Circus, the dark beauty of Grimms’ fairytales, and the elegance of vintage fashion—all with a modern twist.

‘I am more than just a hat maker – I am a walking advert for my craft. Everywhere I go, my hats draw attention, ignite curiosity, and invite stories to be shared. I don’t just design and make hats; I embody them. As a walking showcase of my creativity, my unique designs turn heads, spark conversations, and attract a crowd, making each hat a bold statement of individuality.

As a passionate advocate for hat-making, I take pride in promoting the culture of hat-wearing. Featured on The British Hat Guild’s social media, I bring not only my craftsmanship but also my dedication to celebrating the artistry and heritage of millinery’.

Liza Ward - Hats: The Power and the Glory

Liza's talk will be about the Stockport Hat Works Museum.

Event Programme

09:30 Registration with coffee/tea
10:10 Jane 'The Hat' Smith - Hat Making for film & Ceremonials
11:10 Coffee/tea
11:40 Liza Ward - Hats: The Power and the Glory
12:40 Lunch
14:10 Raffle
14:25 Rebecca Gray - Hats in Motion: Storytelling, Circus, and Marionette Puppetry
15:35/15:45 Close

Price Per Person: Member £30.00, Non Member £40.00, Student £30.00, Junior £30.00, Lunch £15.00