Name/Title
Hatpin CollectionEntry/Object ID
2023.1.440Description
A collection of four hat pins. The hatpin collection includes:
A sea shell
A round pearl or pearlescent ball
Garnet color faceted glass orb
black and white striped with center cobalt blue glass accentsUse
Having originated in the 1850s to secure straw hats, hatpins became longer and more ornate over time. 1910 was the extreme of hatpin length, with the stems alone reaching 10 to 12 inches.Context
Hatpins reached a peak of popularity between the 1890s and 1920s. Music hall actresses like Lillian Russell and Lillian Langtry fuelled the popularity of large elaborate hats which were often ornately decorated with bows, ribbons and feathers.
They continued to be worn, although of much smaller proportions, into the late 20th century. Mid century hatpins are mostly of celluloid pearl effect, fabric, sequins and braid.
Fun Facts: Laws were passed in 1908 in the United States that limited the length of hatpins, as there was a concern they might be used by suffragettes as weapons. Also by the 1910s, ordinances were passed requiring hatpin tips to be covered so as not to injure people accidentally.
