Bargain Headwear

We have been finding some really great hats in Welsh charity shops. The bargain traditional tapestry blanket blanket still eludes me but I haven't given up, I know a person who would love one and I am determined to succeed in this quest.

Pedro Munoz, Madrid.

Madrid is full of traditional, independent shops like this one, Pedro Munoz.
When shopping for traditional menswear in London, particularly for older characters, I feel we lack a lot of the departments and independent shops that used to sell all the best items for for these gentlemen. Every place got fashion conscious and it's hard to find even a good cardigan these days. Not so in Spain.

Montera - Torero Hats

A charming wooden box arrived at work this morning containing the first part of our Torero's costume. This Montera or bullfighter's hat, comes from Justo Algaba in Madrid.
I can't bear the thought of an actual bullfight but researching the costumes and the making techniques is, of course, fascinating.
Tomorrow I'm going to Justo Algaba's studio to look at costumes and consider what we need for filming purposes. Can't wait.

Billingsgate Fish Market porter's hat.

This 19th Century Billingsgate Fish Market porter’s hat is for sale at M. Goldstein opposite my house, but it took Claire Dwyer-Hogg to mention it on the radio for me to find out ....
Wood, leather and hobnail in construction. The flat top was so that cases of fish could be carried on top of the head and the wide brim directed fish guts away from the face.