Hat, woman's

This hat is an excellent example of a fashionable New Zealand milliner's work from the early 1960s. Charles Johnson ran 'Charles Salon' sited initially in Kelburn Avenue (ie Cable Car Lane) from the late 1940s until about 1955, then later in Woodward Street, Wellington, from 1960 until about 1966. He then worked in premises behind Thompson's Silks in Willis Street Village. He was one of many milliners working in New Zealand during this period, but is distinctive for travelling to Britain and Monaco where he made hats for royal clients. In Britain he worked for Aage Thaarup, milliner to Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother. In Monaco he made hats for Princess Grace.

In New Zealand he made hats for many clients, including prospective wedding guests, such as this hat which was made for a mother of a bride.