Abstract studies of iconic hats and designs, commissioned by The Culture Trust, as part of their ‘Hats Made Me’ exhibition at Stockwood Park, Luton from April to December 2023.
Luton, Bedfordshire was, and to a degree still is, a key location for hat-making in the UK. As part of the ongoing celebration and recognition of the value of this local and global cultural heritage, more than 200 objects were gathered for display at Stockwood Park, one of the Trust’s main venues.
Having comprehensively documented the regeneration of the ‘Hat Factories in Luton’ and had an exhibition of my abstract images from this project, I was commissioned to undertake the same for ‘Hats Made Me’, alongside more literal promotional work for the exhibition.
My approach to any physical objects, be they buildings or hats, is to explore the detail of fabrication and human skill applied whilst creating a pleasing abstract aesthetic; images that at the same time stand both as pieces of artistic interpretation but also ask the viewer to consider the item and the work that went into it, through a focus on the detail rather than the whole.
The Hats Made Me exhibition (new window) is on until 10th December 2023 and where more information about the story behind each piece and its design/manufacture can be found.