Hat’s the way to do it folks
Milliner with royal connection gives tips
A fashion expert previously employed by the milliner to Her Majesty the Queen has flown from the other side of the world to pass on her skills to East Ayrshire’s future stylists at a workshop at Dumfries House.
Peggy Stone, who saw a documentary about Dumfries House and was struck by its ethos and education programmes, volunteered to fly with husband Ross from home in New South Wales, Australia, to deliver masterclasses in the house’s Atelier, where thousands of school pupils have been part of the successful Future Textiles programme in the past three years.
The millinery classes ran last week [ week commencing August 14] and this week were fully- subscribed, with 24 participants gaining a grounding in millinery from Peggy, who worked for London- based Frederic Fox and has designed and produced hats for guests at racing’s Melbourne Cup and Ascot as well as entrants at the Chelsea Flower Show.
“I’ve always loved to pass on the skills I’ve learned in almost 20 years as a milliner,” said Peggy.
“When I saw a documentary on Dumfries House that detailed helping out the local community in an area where young people learning new skills is important, and knowing that millinery is an important part of British culture, I thought I would volunteer to come and teach people what I know. It’s really an excuse to visit a great country and a fantastic estate here at Dumfries House. I’m sure those on the course will make some magnificent things.
“I like to say that elegance is incomplete without a hat.
The UK is a hatwearing country and there are great opportunities for people to work in an industry producing beautiful headwear.”
The course was run free of charge to participants, with donations going towards the Sewing Bee programme that runs for beginners and more advanced practitioners through the year at Dumfries House.