21/09/2010

The etiquette of when and where to wear hats is the theme of a new exhibition opening at York Art Gallery this Autumn.

Works featuring hats by Bernini, Jacques-Émile Blanche and Spencer Gore will be displayed alongside real 19th and 20th Century head garments from the York Castle Museum Collection.
The exhibition will use the works as a basis to explore some of the social rules and trends which have influenced headwear in the last 400 years.

Jennifer Alexander, assistant curator of fine art, said: "We have a wonderful collection of paintings from the last 400 years and many show how styles and fashions have changed. From baker hats to bonnets to bowlers, all hats say something about the person wearing it, whether it is their job, their social class or their era.

Brilliant examples from York Castle Museum's social history collection will be shown alongside the paintings in what should be an informative yet fun exhibition."

Around 30 oils and works on paper will feature in the show, including Dame Barbara Hepworth's Surgeon Waiting, William Etty's The Missionary Boy, Spencer Gore's The Balcony at the Alhambra, Roger Bissiere's Woman in a Straw Hat and Jacques-Émile Blanche's Knightbridge from Sloane Street.  The labels will give information on the work but also a brief description of the etiquette and meaning of wearing the hat in that context.

The hats on show include a 1920s cloche, a late 19th century girl's straw hat, a 1960s surgeon's hat and a collapsible opera hat.

ENDS