Canvas Print > Animals > Mammals > Leporidae > Brush Rabbit
Canvas Print : Making beaver hats, 1841
Canvas Prints from Heritage Images
Making beaver hats, 1841
Making beaver hats, 1841. Although called beaver hats, a certain amount beaver fur was only used in the most expensive examples. In most others, rabbit fur was used. The body of the hats was felted in a kettle. The felted material was then placed on a wooden block and formed into a hat and the nap of the material was then raised by brushing. Mercury was used in the kettle and the hatters inhaled vapourised mercury in the steam. As a result many of them suffered from the uncontrollable shaking typical of mercury poisoning which attacked the central nervous system. The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland exhibited these symptoms. From The Penny Magazine, London, 1841
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14866090
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Beaver Hat Disease Hatmaker Hatter Industrial Disease Kettle Manufacturing Mercury Occupational Disease Oxford Science Archive Wood Engraving
20"x16" (50x40cm) Canvas Print
Discover the rich history of hat-making with our captivating Canvas Print of "Making beaver hats, 1841" by Anonymous from Heritage Images. This vintage image transports you back in time, showcasing the intricate process of creating hats during the early 19th century. Although commonly named 'beaver hats,' most of these hats actually featured rabbit fur, making this historical art piece a fascinating reminder of the past. Add character and charm to your home or office decor with this beautifully printed canvas, sure to spark intrigue and conversation among visitors.
Ready to hang Premium Gloss Canvas Print. Our archival quality canvas prints are made from Polyester and Cotton mix and stretched over a 1.25" (32mm) kiln dried knot free wood stretcher bar. Packaged in a plastic bag and secured to a cardboard insert for transit.
Canvas Prints add colour, depth and texture to any space. Professionally Stretched Canvas over a hidden Wooden Box Frame and Ready to Hang
Estimated Product Size is 50.8cm x 40.6cm (20" x 16")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cricetidae
> Brush Mouse
> Animals
> Mammals
> Leporidae
> Brush Rabbit
> Arts
> Literature
> Magazines
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Oxford
EDITORS COMMENTS
The print captures a scene from 1841, showcasing the intricate process of making beaver hats. In this era, despite their name, beaver fur was only used in the most luxurious examples of these fashionable accessories. Rabbit fur was more commonly employed for crafting these stylish headpieces. The image reveals skilled workers diligently engaged in their craft. The first step involved felting the hat's body inside a large kettle. Once felted, the material was carefully placed on wooden blocks to shape it into a hat form. To achieve a smooth and refined finish, the nap of the material was raised through meticulous brushing. However, this seemingly elegant trade had its dark side. The use of mercury in the kettle emitted vapors that were unknowingly inhaled by hatters during their work process. Tragically, many suffered from mercury poisoning as a result, experiencing uncontrollable shaking and other symptoms that attacked their central nervous systems. Interestingly enough, Lewis Carroll's iconic character -the Mad Hatter- exhibited similar symptoms due to his fictional occupation as depicted in Alice in Wonderland. This snapshot offers us a glimpse into an industry plagued by occupational disease during Britain's industrial revolution. It serves as a reminder of both the artistry and hazards associated with traditional craftsmanship while shedding light on historical practices that have since been improved for worker safety and well-being.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
