Women's straw sun hat

Date1900 - 1920

Object number00018334

NameHat

MediumStraw, silk

DimensionsOverall: 80 x 380 mm, 0.15 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis Edwardian sun hat has a wide straw brim covered with faded black silk and a soft silk crown. A large white feather, possibly from a sea bird such as an albatross, is held in place with a silk bow decorating the side of the hat. HistoryBy the early 1900s a thriving tourist industry had become well established around the seaside towns of Australia. The beach had become a place for rest and recreation. Many women took up the fashionable pursuit of promenading along the shore. Wearing the 'uniform' of a white day dress, decorated with a white sash and accessorised with veils, hats and parasols, to protect precious complexions from the harsh Australian sun, women enjoyed being ladies of leisure. SignificanceThis straw hat is a rare example of the type of accessories worn by Australian women visiting the seaside in the 1900s.