Bonnet made using Iranian fabric and satin, designed and made by Edith Brearey Dawson, England, 1892-1893.

Bonnet made using Persian (Iranian) fabric and sludge-green satin. Small size with a flared brim. Cord trimming to the edges, and satin is used for the facings, ties and lining, over a ready-made buckram shape.

Given by Mrs Rhoda Bickerdike

Made by and worn by Edith Robinson, who became Edith Brearey Dawson, an enamel artist in collaboration with her husband Nelson Dawson, the metalworker (married in 1893). Bonnet donated by Mrs. Rhoda Bickerdike, their daughter. At the time, reference was made to a family album containing an image of Edith wearing this bonnet, probably taken around 1892, when Edith visited her husband-to-be in London. Edith came from a Quaker family and was "never fashionable" (although she did later wear 'artistic' dresses by Mme Forma). Despite their Quaker background, Edith and her sister were described as "lively enough", using real flowers to trim the hats they made themselves.

There is a similar style bonnet in a Liberty millinery catalogue dated 1894 (p.23) in Liberty cashmere with velveteen trimming

Attribution note: Handmade

T.272-1982