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Hat Maker. Manufacture of beaver hats by felting material in a kettle
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Hat Maker. Manufacture of beaver hats by felting material in a kettle
Hat Maker. Manufacture of beaver hats by felting material in a kettle (background) and blocking (shaping) the hat and brushing the pile. 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, Mercury was used in the kettle process and 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
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Media ID 14843805
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Beaver Hat Brushing Disease Hatmaker Hatter Health And Safety Industrial Disease Kettle Manufacturing Mercury Occupational Disease Ann Ronan Pictures
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This print captures the intricate process of hat making in the 19th century. In this image, we see a skilled hat maker engrossed in his craft, surrounded by various tools and materials. The manufacture of beaver hats was a meticulous art that involved felting material in a kettle and shaping it through blocking techniques. Contrary to its name, little to no beaver fur was actually used in these hats. Instead, the quality of the felt fabric was achieved by blending mixtures of musquash or rabbit fur with cotton wool. However, what makes this trade particularly intriguing is the unfortunate use of mercury during the kettle process. Mercury poisoning became an occupational hazard for hatters due to prolonged exposure to this toxic substance. As depicted in Lewis Carroll's famous character, the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, those affected suffered from uncontrollable shaking and damage to their central nervous system. This thought-provoking image not only sheds light on historical manufacturing practices but also highlights important issues related to health and safety within industries. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come regarding workplace regulations and safeguards against occupational diseases. The skillful craftsmanship displayed by this anonymous hat maker reminds us of the dedication and expertise required for traditional trades like these. This photograph is truly a testament to human ingenuity while also serving as a cautionary tale about potential risks associated with certain professions throughout history.
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