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Listen to the
programme
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Wooden
blocks used for shaping hats
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The
programme looks at a photographic exhibition marking the end of
car production in Luton, and follow the role this industry played
from the early 1900s right through to the production of the last
Vectra.
At
one time, the whole town revolved around hat production, but discover
that manufacturing still has an important presence in Luton.
By
visiting some of the remaining hatters in the town, the programme
finds out how they have had to change with the times in order to
survive.
"When
it comes to the good hats, the bigger shops stay loyal to Luton,"said
89-year-old Ken Snoxell, who has been in the hat trade for 70 years
yet still enthuses as each hat is shaped on the traditional block.
Luton
hats are still being exported all over the world, and at one time
there were hundreds of companies supplying the industry.
Now
Boon and Lane are now Europe聮s only blockmakers. The company
has had the prestige of making patterns for hats worn by stars including
Kylie Minogue and Jay Kay of Jamiroqui.
A visit
to London Luton Airport looks at the town聮s successful shift
into the service industry and the airport聮s importance as Luton聮s
largest employer.
Narrated
by Ian Pearce, from the stands at Luton Town聮s crunch match
against Plymouth, the programme recalls the days when over 30,000
people crammed the famous old football ground, many straight from
the factories.
More
about hatblockers
More about
hatmaking
Listen to the programme
| Geraldine
Ferris, Oakland, NJ USA |
Tuesday,
29-Apr-2003 16:49:27 GMT |
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| I
am trying to locate information on Luton straw hat making in
the 18th century as I am conducting research on 18th c. hats
in general. Can anyone tell me of special books on the subject
or a museum in Luton that I can contact? I like your program
speaking to me and this is a great idea. I am sad to hear that
Luton has had a hard time for its workers losing jobs. |
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