Medium: Black wool felt

Date: c.1927

Country: England

Credit: Gift of Arthur Weisenberger

The bowler is arguably the iconic hat of the 20th century. Named the bowler, the derby, or the Coke, it was developed in 1850 for Thomas Coke, the Second Earl of Leicester. It was seen as an alternative to the more formal top hat and by the early years of the 20th century had become a symbol of the bourgeoisie.

Object Number: 69.162.46