Hints on Hats: by Henry Melton, Hatter to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

Brought up to enter a learned profession, Henry Melton very successfully overcame his ‘aversion to going into trade’ and became hatter to the Prince of Wales. First published in 1865, Hints on Hats is a delightfully idiosyncratic account of Melton’s rise from opening a shop (having seen an opportunity for wealth and fame) to hatter to Edward VII and Prince Albert, whose patronage he was quick to exploit.

First published in 1865, this book is part of the V&A Fashion Perspectives Series. Selected by V&A publishing in consultation with our world-leading fashion curators, the Fashion Perspectives series offers an access all areas pass to the glamorous world of fashion. Models, magazine editors and the designers themselves take readers behind the scenes at the likes of Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Dior, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue in the golden age of couture.