To make things is a part of human nature. Whether it’s a simple tool or a huge construction project, something that has been made speaks more than words and gives a satisfaction to the maker that cannot be gained elsewhere. It could be pushing a beautifully sharpened chisel through a perfect piece of wood, or perhaps trimming a hat with a rare vintage ribbon, whatever it is, there is immense pleasure in being part of something that has gone on ever since things needed making. And then, there is the finished object – for us, seeing a hat made on one of our blocks, or for you, seeing it on your customers head along with all their finery, it is a fundamental experience that changes your outlook on life, a discovery of what is true, original and genuine.
From the raw wood through to an exquisite hand made hat, the process has many different parts and processes. As block makers we are only one part of that journey but nonetheless it is a very important one. Hat blocks can vary from one that must be exactly the shape and design of the finished hat, through to more generic shapes from which can be made a huge variety of hats. However, the starting point must always be right; good timber, good tools, a thorough knowledge of design, proportion and style, a high degree of skill in carving wood, and very importantly an understanding and experience of the blocking techniques that will be used on the block. All of these are endless subjects of course, but here at Guy Morse-Brown we are dedicated to increasing our knowledge and skill on a daily basis. Our aim is to bring you the best hat blocks that you can buy, and we are confident that your hats will be so much the better for having been made on a Guy Morse-Brown Hat Block. You can be a highly skilled milliner but if your block, which is your starting point for the shape, is not right then you’ll be struggling from the beginning. After all, just like the tools we use to make the blocks, your hat block is more than a beautiful object, it is a tool itself. Experience has taught us that it is always worth investing in the best tools money can buy, and the difference in performance is tangible. In the same way, choosing our blocks will not only make your job easier and more pleasurable but the difference in your hats will be plain to see.
We take our inspiration from many sources but one of the greatest sources is you! Our conversations with you inspire new ideas and new shapes, collectively we come up with more possibilities and even ways and means to bring back old forgotton styles, methods and techniques. This is one of the reasons that we don’t have online ordering – we want to chat with you (email is fine) to help you get your choices right. We want to know the kind of styles you’re interested in, the materials you will work with, the techniques you use, but equally if you don’t know any of these, we want to offer you as much advice as you need.
Guy Morse-Brown established this internationally renowned business in 1995 having already spent many years crafting exquisite things from wood. His background in specialist design and manufacturing was passed onto his son, Owen who established his own business making stringed musical instruments that are played all over the world (see
). In 2008 Guy was awarded an MBE for services to millinery and skills training and also during that year a new purpose built workshop was set up by Owen & Catherine, who now direct the business. Catherine is in the office answering your emails, writing newsletters, keeping the accounts etc and Owen is in the workshop as head block maker. Both are on hand for all the advice you need, help choosing blocks, blocking, techniques etc. As demand for our blocks has increased the business has moved into bigger workshops in the summer of 2014.
Guy Morse-Brown Hat Blocks is recognised for its fast and flexible service for both the standard range of blocks and blocks to client’s own designs. The blocks continue to be met with a delighted response from milliners worldwide, and some of the millinery world’s most prestigious designers are regular clients.
Guy’s MBE also recognised his contribution to skills training and it was the Wombourne School of Millinery that was the platform for this. Hundreds of students passed through its doors enrolled on anything from a one-day tiara course to a one-to-one week long course in advanced millinery techniques. Indeed, many of the students have now gone on to set up their own businesses, helped along by Guy & Ann, and are now producing fantastic hats for their clients.
