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A very scarce, charming fashion work on hats by the royal hatter, Henry Melton. Presented in a smart condition, this pocket sized work is a fascinating insight to the history of hats, and the nineteenth century fashions. The first edition of this work. 'Her Majesty was one of the first to patronize hats for the Royal Family, and in due course to adopt them herself'. Melton provides a brief introduction to the history of hats, before delving into methods of making, the certain materials used, in addition to an array of hat styles. He refers to certain noted individuals such as Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I, George IV and the Count D'Orsay, regarding their preferred style of hats. He also discusses the hats worn by his own patrons, Albert the Prince Consort and Edward VII, Prince of Wales. To pages 75-77 Melton discusses how Sir Edwin Landseer's painting 'Eos' of Prince Albert's favourite greyhound does not display the maker's label to the top hat. A vignette of this painting has been used for the front board design. 'Had but the hat been placed just an inch more horizontally, the crown would have displayed my name as 'Hatter to His Royal Highness' and thus rendered me an incalculable service, without prejudicing the picture in the least degree.' Melton also discusses his own development in style, and European influences of his own handiwork. To the preface Melton writes, 'I am not actuated by motives chiefly associated with my own interest, my greatest desire being to offer a humble tribute of gratitude to my late illustrious patron, His Royal Highness the Prince Consort'. Charmingly illustrated with a frontispiece and numerous vignettes of varying hat styles. To the rear there are sixteen leaves of advertisements for companies that are 'specially appointed to supply their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Court'. This work traces Melton's own career, whilst providing a fascinating insight to the fashion of the Victorian elite. Written from the perspective of a well-known Regent Street hatter. Many of Melton's hats have been preserved to this day in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A truly lovely, very scarce work in a well-preserved condition. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, smart, with just some minor bumping to the extremities and to the head and tail of spine. Fading to the gilt of spine. Rear hinge is strained but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are slightly age toned to edges with just the odd handling mark. Very Good. Seller Inventory # 652L1
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