Hat Block of the Week Vintage Cloche

Some blocks announce themselves quietly - others do it through silhouette alone. This high-crown vintage block in an almost cloche style sits firmly within the latter category.  With its sweeping curves which have a beehive-like profile, it has a strong sculptural presence that immediately suggests mid-20th-century design.

The maker of this block is unknown.  It's carved from a very soft, almost composite-like wood, and has not maker's mark at all.  Despite the mystery it's a block that I've returned to many times in the studio.  Straw responds particularly beautifully to this shape, settling into the curves and revealing crisp lines and a smooth, refined finish.  Felt would offer a softer interpretation, enhancing the vintage character of the form.

This block is part of The Millinery Retreat's Hat Block Libary - a working collection built to be used, explored and appreciated for the unique character each block holds.