"Artistic Ladies Wear" Hexagonal Hatbox
Datec. 1960s
Credit LineGift of Brescia University College, Western University, London, Ontario, 2002
Object number2002.009.742
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 protect 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.
Bernard and David Wolf came to London from Russia in 1903 and established Artistic Ladies Wear. Selling hats, coats, and other women's wear, it was a popular downtown shop. From 1917 to 1923, the shop was located at 211 Dundas Street. By 1927, the shop was re-located to 158 Dundas Street where it operated for over 50 years until 1980. By 1983, it became known as Artistic Wear of London and was shut down after many years as a successful business in London.
NameHatbox
Artistic Ladies Wear Limited
