Feltmakers and Milliners at Henley Royal Regatta

This event may be becoming a fixture, as we once again graced the banks of the Thames, with the Feltmaker Enclosure at Old Blades, half way up the rowing course. We had a most enjoyable day out, organised by the Fourth Warden – who happens to be an oarsman! Not a balmy English Summer’s Day, but decent weather, and plenty of opportunity to wander up and down the Towpath, watch the rowing, browse the shopping offer, and gaze at the beautiful outfits.

Henley Royal Regatta has taken place annually since 1839, originally the location of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Now it hosts six days of rowing racing, and is the most famous regatta in the world, with many crews travelling from the US and Europe each year to take part. As an event in the British social calendar, I would say that it is a place to be seen, and no clothing item is too bright to wear. That does, of course, include hats, so we invited our milliners to join us for a celebratory Champagne reception in the afternoon.

That was Then…

..and this is Now

Artistry, Flamboyance, Elegance – this is what the hatting trade is about and we encourage our milliners and hatters in the Livery to come and enjoy events which are focused on hats, and not necessarily within the normal City roulement of our four dinners each year. So Henley is a great chance to show hatting to the British public, and a time to get excited about headwear. After all, so many of our hat-wearing clientele are buying hats to attend the Regatta.

The Master and his consort attended, welcoming milliners who were wearing splendid, flamboyant hats. Sporting a smart Panama hat, he kindly said a few words, and welcomed some new faces to the Company, and affirmed that Feltmakers should definitely be seen at Henley Royal Regatta. Thank you for sponsoring the Champagne, too, Master!