The judges at work

The annual Judging for The Feltmaker’s Design Award took place on April 25^th at Haberdashers’ Hall under the new organizing team of Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Philip Wright. There were over 35 entries and seven judges in attendance. We were very pleased to welcome two new judges to the panel, Lecia Finch – the accessories buyer at Fenwicks of Bond Street and Amber Morales – the Fashion Editor of The Daily Mirror.

First prizewinner

We were also very grateful to Edwina Ibbotson, Milliner and Carol Denford, The Editor of The Hat Magazine for once again lending their expertise to the proceedings. Past Master Bill Horsman, having retired as organizer of the competition, actually had the opportunity to judge this year, along with Liverymen Philip Wright and Rachel Trevor-Morgan. Of course Master Eda Rose Lawson, a master milliner herself joined in the judging as well as welcoming The Lady Mayoress, Liz Wootton and the Sheriff’s Consorts, Liveryman Gilly Yarrow and Robert Tipping who were there to witness the final winners being selected.

2nd prizewinner

The First Prize was awarded to Melanie Lewiston from Waltham Forest CLAss  for ‘Tally Ho’, a delightful little perching riding hat with beaded vintage veil and veiling ‘snood’. It was beautifully crafted and well balanced. She will receive a cheque for £1200.

3rd. prizewinner

The Second Prize went to Emily Curtis from Northampton College for her winter white felt hat. Sculpted in fur felt and hand encrusted with pearl beading, this was a contemporary take on a vintage look. Several judges would have been happy to wear it home.  She will receive a cheque for £600.

Craftsmanship prizewinner

Commercial appeal

The Third Prize was awarded to Anna Sargent from Waltham Forest CLAss, for ‘Winter in Ragnarok’. A felt hat with white fur and beautiful silver embroidery.  The use of colour was subtle and the shaping exact so that when worn the hat framed the face.  She will receive a cheque for £400.

Prizewinner for artwork

Further prizes were awarded; the Craftsmanship Prize went to Rosanna Totiah from Leeds College of Art for her sculpted felt headpiece with hand stitched felt flowers. The prize for Commercial Appeal went to Charlie Evans from Kensington and Chelsea College for her felt rose swirl.

Innovative use of felt

The Artwork and Presentation Prize went to Katherine Gerrish from Waltham College CLAss for her night out at the movies, which was concise and illustrated her witty popcorn and film reel hat beautifully.

The Innovative Use of Felt Prize went to Jo Miller from Kensington and Chelsea for her large black felt coolie hat cleverly made to resemble cowhide using two types of fur felt and chicken bones!

We were also joined by Jollyon Coombs, our Clerk, and Liveryman Peter Shirley who took the photographs for this piece.

The Judges and guests were then able to enjoy a delicious lunch after all the excitement of the morning!

The judges and guests enjoy a well-earned lunch

Rachel Trevor-Morgan