Photos: BSoA Highlights “Our History In Hats”

The Bermuda Society of Arts is currently presenting ‘Our History in Hats,’ an exhibit that shows off the many styles of head wear that have been popular in Bermuda over the past three centuries.

Artists Donna Pink and Ronnie Chameau have recreated hat styles that were worn by women in Bermuda from the 1700s through the 1950s, giving visitors to the exhibit a look at the fashion sense that dominated different periods in the island’s history.

Donna Pink said, “I had basic millinery training at Sheridan College of Applied Arts in Canada as a part of the Fashion Design & Technology course that I graduated from, but really hadn’t used those skills in the past.”

Ms Pink continued, “However, after submitting an entry into the “Hats made from natural materials” category at the 2013 Agricultural Exhibition, and winning Best in Show, my interest in hat making was re-ignited and I have since gone on to create several headpieces for customers using traditional materials.

“I was inspired to create an array of hat styles worn through the ages and have them on display in an exhibit along with images of women in Bermuda wearing similar hats. To make the exhibit more “local” and artistically challenging, I thought that the hats should be made from natural materials such as palmetto and coconut palms and banana leaves.”

Ms Pink said she asked her good friend Ronnie Chameau to join her in the project as she is already proficient in making hats from natural materials, albeit miniature ones for her banana dolls.

Ronnie Chameau is well known throughout the island for her dolls and angels which have been sent around the world, including one she made as a gift for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

“Ronnie has taught me some of the skills which she is well known for such as weaving and plaiting palmetto leaves and manipulating banana leaves. This exhibition is the result of a great collaboration of skills and ideas,” added Ms. Pink.

“The actual process was quite laborious,” Ms Pink explained. “First we had to spend months collecting materials which then had to be carefully washed and in some cases, bleached.

“After selecting the right pieces for the hats we wanted to make, some pieces were dyed which took a couple of days to really absorb properly. As for the actual construction, some of the styles were quite challenging and we learned by trial and error.”

“The end results are quite amazing. We’ve had many people helping us with everything from selecting photographs to allowing us to tramp through their gardens looking for materials as well as support from the Bermuda Arts Council, all of which is greatly appreciated.

“This exhibit is designed to demonstrate how simple, organic materials that would normally not be considered beautiful, can be used creatively to achieve the same fashionable looks worn by women throughout the ages.”

“We have made our interpretation of hats and headpieces starting in the 1700’s up until the 1950’s. There are 10 posters featuring photos of women in Bermuda wearing the hats of that era and the hats we have created replicate these images. It is a unique look at our history.

“The response has been overwhelming and everyone who has seen it has said that It is museum worthy and should be a permanent exhibit somewhere. That is our ultimate goal, to have it permanently displayed,” added Ms. Pink.

‘Our History in Hats’ is currently available for viewing at the Edinburgh Gallery at City Hall from 5.00pm through 7.00pm, running until June 24.

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