Hat Blocks
Torb and Reiner holds a large collection of Hat blocks which have been collected over the last 20 years.
A large amount of Hat blocks were bought many years ago in order to set up a
hat block library which was enjoyed over the years by many.
Short History
Hat blocks were introduced in the late 1920s. Blocks were used interchangeably, and could be assembled in a variety of ways to create different shapes and styles. The shape of blocks varied and developed throughout the years to reflect fashion and styles of the day, along with changes in technology. Hat blocks would first be covered with tissue
paper to prevent dye from transferring onto the blocks and potentially staining future materials. Later, plastic bags or washable fabric 'hat socks' were used. Fabric, straw or felt would then be shaped onto the block, pushing along the grain of the material, and secured using string which was tied into a 'blocker's knot'. The material would then be steamed, and shaped into the desired style. In the 1940s aluminium blocks, or 'hot blocks' were introduced.
These blocks were placed over an electric cone and heated in order to shape the hat.
In Europe hat blocks were made from soft woods and in Australia a lot of hard woods are used.
The Kaori tree, a New Zealand tree, has been used a lot in times gone by and is now treated like GOLD.