Smallman and Ingram Hatbox
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Emma Sims, London, Ontario, 1966
Object number1966.020.099
Label TextAs wearing hats for both day and evening wear gained popularity, so did the practice of milliners constructing storage boxes to go with them. The boxes protected hats from dust and damage, both physical and environmental. Hatboxes from stores were usually made from cardboard, but more bespoke and robust boxes made of metal and leather were developed for travelling. This hatbox came from London retailor Smallman & Ingram Limited, founded by Lemuel H. Ingram and John B. Smallman in 1877. Starting as a dry goods store, Smallman & Ingram expanded to carrying toys, home furnishings, and ready-to-wear fashions. The store was bought in 1945 by Simpson's and an addition was added to the existing building. In 1990, a firm was hired to restore the historic facade of the building, which now holds offices and retail stores.
NameHatbox
