Meaning
A maker or seller of women's hats, bonnets and associated trimmings.
Description
Milliners made and trimmed women's hats and bonnets, sourcing materials from haberdashers and creating fashionable headwear for female customers. The trade was almost exclusively female and was one of the few skilled trades open to women. Millinery was considered a respectable occupation for genteel women who needed to earn a living. Many milliners also sold gloves, ribbons and accessories. The trade was closely linked to fashion and required regular updating of skills and stock. Milliners' workrooms were notorious for long hours and poor pay despite the fashionable nature of the goods produced.
Also Known As
Hat Maker, Bonnet Maker
Commonly Found In
- Census Returns
- Trade Directories
- Parish Registers
- Apprenticeship Records
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