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Making beaver hats, from The Universal Magazine, London, pub
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Making beaver hats, from The Universal Magazine, London, pub
540669 Making beaver hats, from The Universal Magazine, London, pub. in 1750 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Although called beaver, little or no beaver fur was used. According to quality, nap on felt fabric was made of mixtures of beaver, musquash or rabbit fur, and cotton wool, and was bowed into condition by man at right. Felt base was softened in the kettle and the nap then applied. Mercury was used during manufacture and the fumes inhaled by the men round steaming kettle. Many hatters suffered from the uncontrollable shaking typical of mercury poisoning which damaged the central nervous system. The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland exhibited these symptoms.); Universal History Archive/UIG; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23386238
© Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images
Beaver Felt Hatmaker Making Manufacture Manufacturing Mixtures
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "Making beaver hats" captures a fascinating glimpse into the hat-making industry of the 18th century. Published in The Universal Magazine, London in 1750, this engraving showcases the intricate process involved in creating these fashionable accessories. Contrary to its name, little or no actual beaver fur was used in making these hats. Instead, a mixture of beaver, musquash or rabbit fur, and cotton wool was carefully crafted into felt fabric with a soft nap. In the image, we see a man diligently bowing the felt fabric into shape while another worker softens the felt base in a kettle before applying the nap. However, what makes this historical scene even more intriguing is the use of mercury during manufacturing. The men surrounding the steaming kettle were unknowingly inhaling toxic fumes from mercury that caused uncontrollable shaking and damaged their central nervous system over time. This condition is famously depicted by Lewis Carroll's Mad Hatter character in Alice in Wonderland. This print not only offers us insight into an ancient craft but also serves as a reminder of how industrial practices have evolved over time for both better and worse. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity while shedding light on some of the occupational hazards faced by workers throughout history.
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