Bowler hat

In the 1950s and 60s bowler hats were a fashion staple for male office workers in the financial district of London.

This bowler hat belonged to Brian Timmings who purchased it in London in 1957. Brian was a banker and wore the hat to work in London and later in Wellington. Along with his umbrella and brief case he was suitably dressed as the perfect English gentleman.

Bowler hats, also known as a bob hat or derby, were first created in 1849 by London milliners Thomas and William Bowler. They were commissioned by Edward Coke, the young brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, to create a hat that could be worn by gamekeepers when they were out riding. The hat was to protect their heads from low-hanging branches and also was an alternative to top hats which kept getting knocked off.