Bicorne

item details

NameBicorne

ProductionHill Brothers; manufacturer(s); 1897; England

Classificationhats, bicornes

Materialsfur, silk, gold, wire, brass, feather

DimensionsOverall: 200mm (width), 550mm (height), 270mm (length)

Registration NumberPC000752

Credit lineGift of Dame Elizabeth Knox Gilmer, 1955

Overview

This is part of the outfit Premier Richard John Seddon wore at the coronation of Edward VII in London in June 1902. Seddon was an ardent imperialist, and is said to have greatly enjoyed royal events.

Design
His outfit and accessories met the precise dress regulations of the English court - he was required to wear the Civil Uniform, First Class, which was full court dress. It was made specifically for his height (nearly 1.8 metres) and weight (nearly 130 kilograms), and features elaborate gold braiding.

Seddon
Seddon was very conscious of his public image. He took great pains over his style of dress, usually wearing a frockcoat, often with a flower in the buttonhole. However, he ate and drank without moderation, which resulted in failing health towards the end of his life. His larger than life personality and style made him a favourite subject of the media. However, photographs hardly ever reveal him laughing or expressing pleasure.

Significance
Seddon governed from 1893 to 1906, making him New Zealand's longest serving Prime Minister. He was energetic, hardworking, and noted for having 'the common touch'.

This outfit illustrates Seddon's impressive physical size, but also represents the strong belief in the British Empire held by New Zealanders at the time.