Derby

The Mallory Hat Company|John David

ca. 1940 · wool, silk · Costume Institute

A classic style of men's headwear in the 20th century, the bowler first came into fashion in the 1850s. Like the top hat, the bowler had working-class origins. Layers of shellac created a helmet-like hat for rural gamekeepers and the close fit ensured it would not blow off in windy conditions. A mid-19th century prototype of the style was made by Thomas and William Bowler, hat makers in Southwark, England and the widespread success of their design made their family name synonymous with the style. The bowler is also known as a "derby" based on its association with horseracing in England.

Artist

The Mallory Hat Company|John David

Date

ca. 1940

Medium

wool, silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Evelyn Metzger, 1992