straw plaits and hats

The cottage industry of straw plaiting and straw hat making is a fascinating one. In the poor local conditions of the 18th and 19th centuries, it provided work for large numbers of people. Whole towns became absorbed in the trade - Luton, Bedfordshire, being a prime example. With original drawings, this book brings to life the skills involved and a little of the social history of the time. All profits from the sale of this book will go to good causes.