What better way to start October than on National Poetry Day, especially when ‘Wonder’ is the theme.
With the commitment of creative collaborations being key, I am finding my world increasingly more intertwined, so I’m wearing the hat that feels just right on this very special day. There is nothing quite like a creative mind collecting curiosities along the way!
I had the opportunity in September to visit the Wordsworth museum in the scenic village of Grasmere in the Lake District. It was wonderful to witness William’s inspiration from the countryside all around him where he lived. This brought along an extra smile as much of my inspiration for my headwear designs begins from my countryside walks, here in South Yorkshire. Although I can say wearing an extra big smile that I have not quite managed his level of fame!
But there has been a revisit to my love of poetry over the last couple of years, having rekindled my passion for creative writing. I was part of Flux’s ‘Spread the Word’ programme and proud to have a poem published in their anthology.
Hat wearing, especially the Beret, has long been associated with art, poetry and bohemian culture. The beginnings of the beret have strong working-class roots, as it was a modest, inexpensive felted wool cap. It would become so much more.
Being brimless, there was no bumping of the artists easel, it provided the added warmth in a spartan studio and an asset to the emerging poet writing in any grey, gaunt garret.
Putting ink to paper, a budding poet could use the Beret as a symbol of belonging to the avant-garde literary world. A simple piece of headwear now made a statement.
I am fortunate to own three charming Beret shaped vintage hat blocks, from which I can mould subtle improvements to the humble flat shape, giving a more elevated cap, albeit relatively more expensive to produce.
As my creative journey continues, I pull out the chosen hat block, place the rich pickings, the quality peach-bloom felt and a few extra mystical marvels.