I am particularly fascinated by straw bonnets and the straw bonnet industry. The bonnets themselves for me are a beautiful combination of nature and art. Each bonnet is plaited, woven, crocheted, sewn or a combination of these to create a well curving base for a stunning array of embellishments. The industry held a unique niche in the ever changing industrialization of the nineteenth century, as the straw bonnet industry combined cottage industry with commercial industrialization. In my booklet, From Field to Fashion: Straw Bonnets, I look at the history of straw bonnets, the industry and the process for making bonnets.
You will find in my blog posts a variety of information about straw millinery. In the Millinery/Bonnets/Ribbon category, you will find posts related to straw bonnets including “A Closer Look at Straw Plait”, “Straw Bonnet Fashion Descriptions” and additional bonnet related information. You may also be interested in the Anatomy of a Bonnet pdf file and the Straw Bonnet Workbook. I recently pulled from my files a chart on the Cost of Accuracy in Millinery.
Below is a running list of straw bonnets from museum and private collections found on the internet. (I will be adding to the list from time to time. I hopefully will also figure out the spacing/font issue as well.) When looking at museum or private collections, keep in mind bonnets may have been altered over the years. Sometimes trims/embellishments are changed, removed, replaced or altered. This could be a way to make a bonnet ‘look’ better if there has been damage (cutting ribbons or removing ragged trims.) The changes could also be for theatrical purposes or for a costuming party (new ribbons or trims added.) Be critical while looking at the bonnets. If you are viewing them in person, look at how pieces are attached and for evidence of changes such as pin holes.
Plait
MET1 MET2 MET3 MET4 MET5 MET6 MFA1 MFA2 MFA3 MFA4 MFA5 MFA6 MFA7 MFA8 Gracefullady1, second view Gracefullady2, second view Gracefullady Gray Straw, second view Henry Ford Museum Henry Ford Museum Henry Ford Museum – Straw & Ribbon combination OSV Corsets & Crinolines’ Corsets & CrinolinesWoven straw
MET1 MET2 MET3 MET4 MET5 MFA1Fine or Fancy
MET1 MET2 MET3 MET4 MET5 MET6 (MET says it is silk?) MET7 MFA1 MFA2 MFA3 Gracefullady, second view Gracefullady over blue, second view Gracefullady, Second view Gracefullady, Second view
How old did you have to be to wear the straw bonnet during the civil war? The dress one like a spoon bonnet.
Hi Pam,
There are straw bonnets for children through the mid-19th century.
Dear Anna,
I am very interested to learn more about the history and construction of straw bonnets and hope you can contact me regarding your book, ‘From Field to Fashion’ I would like to buy a copy if possible.
Best Wishes
Vicky Potter