British Pathe

Pollen Street, London.

High angle shot of several cardboard boxes full of brightly coloured feathers. Handfuls of blue feathers are taken out of one of the boxes by a milliner. She takes them to a table where a group of women are sitting making feathered hats. The narrator explains the process...

Pollen Street, London.

High angle shot of several cardboard boxes full of brightly coloured feathers. Handfuls of blue feathers are taken out of one of the boxes by a milliner. She takes them to a table where a group of women are sitting making feathered hats. The narrator explains the process over M/Ss and C/Us of incredible hats being constructed. Bright blue and bright red feathers are stuck onto a felt backing - a special glue is used. Narrator states that it takes 10 years to be fully experienced in this craft.

"The birdlike natural covering of the hat makes it waterproof" states the narrator and we see more hats being created. Some feathers are dyed three colours. 2000 feathers are used for a single hat. C/Us of feathers being glued. Narrator quips: "All these feathers would seem to belie Oscar Wilde's remark that good hats are made of nothing - or do they?" Ostrich feathers are fluffed up by a milliner - she selects one and combs the long fronds. She then cuts some of the fronds from the feather and applies them to a hat. C/Us of the brightly coloured feathers.

Various hats are modelled. First Pamela Fawcet in a Chinese hackle "Ottoman Beret" - "a fine example of design and craft work". Following in the same oriental theme is the "Coolie" - a fabulous black and white creation. C/U of the feather detail. A green feathered hat is modelled next. Narrator states that "Hats like these are boosting our export trade - particularly to the United States - so this cap is suitably named... 'Forward'. In this way Nature's contribution has put Britain in the forefront of hat designers." Ends with a C/U of Pamela modelling another creation.

Milliners featured are Edith Newson, Gwen Jeanette, Mrs Wood and Miss Ferguson. Woman working with ostrich feathers is M. Milesburg (? difficult to read paperwork). Company featured is Design and Craftwork Ltd.