Feather Hats (1955)

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 the