Bonnet

This light summer bonnet fits easily onto the head and protects the eyes and face from the sun whilst creating a strong but simple silhouette. Women's fashion of the early 1800s drew heavily on themes from the classical world. A surge in interest of antique sculpture, painting and architecture, due in part to excavations of ancient Greek and Roman sites, such as Pompeii, led to a vogue for clean lines, unadorned fabrics, draped shawls and hair worn close to the head.

The simple graphic lines of this close-fitting bonnet are composed from bands of straw plait alternating with sections of cream silk satin. The fabric is gathered at the back of the hat to curve gently around the head.