James Lock & Co. - the UK Summit tour
Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:51 pm
During the UK Summit in London, the bunch of us visited St. James Street to check out what's left of Herbert Johnson (Swaine Adeney Brigg) and, while we were at it, take a peek at what's probably the world's most famous hatter - James Lock & Co.
In drizzling rain, we glanced at the formal-looking doorman inside the store - in military dress uniform, he seemed a bit apprehensive when a fedora-sporting, Wested-wearing motley crew entered the shop. Nevertheless, he let us in. The shop attendants pretty soon figured us out for Indiana Jones enthusiasts (yes, we carry all our bullwhips in this plastic bag), and we spread out in the shop, marveling at corduroy smoking hats, fine Panamas and some quite expensive-looking fur felts.
I made some inquiries about their reblocking services, and asked if it was possible to see the workshop. I was the only one let in there (apparently, insurance would not cover lumbering gearheads in the event of an accident) and soon I stood in what felt like the inner sanctum of this venerable hat shop.
Passing shelves of bowlers, or cokes, as Lock prefers to call them...
...and other various felt hats...
... a work bench with some head measuring devices (in the rack). When buying a hat at Lock's, the customer's head is carefully measured with said contraptions, in order to register all bumps and lumps... this ensures a snug, yet comfortable fit.
A genuine 'coke', on the head of our very friendly 'tour guide' - unfortunately, I totally forgot to ask his name... he graciously permitted these pics to be posted at COW.
Now we are at the innermost part of the workshop. On the bench, to the left, a brim flange for a fedora... wouldn't mind to have that one to go with my block... more flanges underneath. To the right, the steam machine - a modern piece of equipment for the milliner. The more traditional water kettles were kept on a shelf underneath the bench... yes , they too are still used when steaming the hats.
An assortment of hat blocks. No Indy block to be seen... as the brim flanges, some of these are over a century old.
Surrounded by history... the back door of the shop situated in 21st century London lead to a backyard from the Elizabethan age! On the other side of this small, enclosed yard the 16th century home of the family Lock could be seen. The lady in the tympanum is probably a Lock family member. The front door even hat a 16th century catflap...
Gas mains are still present in many of the buildings in London, even though electrical heating is used. This gas tap is still live... or so it's believed... anyway, the feather stuck in the faucet is a safety precaution - it blows off if gas is lead through the pipes.
Two hats belonging to Lock Hatters' famous clients from the early 19th century: to the left, Lord Horatio Nelson's bicorne, worn in the battle at Trafalgar. To the left - the hat of Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington - the guy who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. The ledger below contains written documentation of the purchases.
In conclusion, the visit to Lock was a very pleasant one, most recommended, should you visit London. It's one of those truly classy places - that one still can find in Britain occasionally - that maintain a well-deserved air of exclusivity without being posh and unfriendly. If Herbert Johnson Hatters still existed in their true form, the experience would probably be similar...
Oh right, the Lock&Co/ROTLA connection - there isn't one. Harrison Ford did purchase a fedora from Lock for privat use, not for the film.
Our own proud hat display - Akubras, Kepplers, HJs and an Optimo on display in ob1al's hotel room...
In drizzling rain, we glanced at the formal-looking doorman inside the store - in military dress uniform, he seemed a bit apprehensive when a fedora-sporting, Wested-wearing motley crew entered the shop. Nevertheless, he let us in. The shop attendants pretty soon figured us out for Indiana Jones enthusiasts (yes, we carry all our bullwhips in this plastic bag), and we spread out in the shop, marveling at corduroy smoking hats, fine Panamas and some quite expensive-looking fur felts.
I made some inquiries about their reblocking services, and asked if it was possible to see the workshop. I was the only one let in there (apparently, insurance would not cover lumbering gearheads in the event of an accident) and soon I stood in what felt like the inner sanctum of this venerable hat shop.
Passing shelves of bowlers, or cokes, as Lock prefers to call them...
...and other various felt hats...
... a work bench with some head measuring devices (in the rack). When buying a hat at Lock's, the customer's head is carefully measured with said contraptions, in order to register all bumps and lumps... this ensures a snug, yet comfortable fit.
A genuine 'coke', on the head of our very friendly 'tour guide' - unfortunately, I totally forgot to ask his name... he graciously permitted these pics to be posted at COW.
Now we are at the innermost part of the workshop. On the bench, to the left, a brim flange for a fedora... wouldn't mind to have that one to go with my block... more flanges underneath. To the right, the steam machine - a modern piece of equipment for the milliner. The more traditional water kettles were kept on a shelf underneath the bench... yes , they too are still used when steaming the hats.
An assortment of hat blocks. No Indy block to be seen... as the brim flanges, some of these are over a century old.
Surrounded by history... the back door of the shop situated in 21st century London lead to a backyard from the Elizabethan age! On the other side of this small, enclosed yard the 16th century home of the family Lock could be seen. The lady in the tympanum is probably a Lock family member. The front door even hat a 16th century catflap...
Gas mains are still present in many of the buildings in London, even though electrical heating is used. This gas tap is still live... or so it's believed... anyway, the feather stuck in the faucet is a safety precaution - it blows off if gas is lead through the pipes.
Two hats belonging to Lock Hatters' famous clients from the early 19th century: to the left, Lord Horatio Nelson's bicorne, worn in the battle at Trafalgar. To the left - the hat of Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington - the guy who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. The ledger below contains written documentation of the purchases.
In conclusion, the visit to Lock was a very pleasant one, most recommended, should you visit London. It's one of those truly classy places - that one still can find in Britain occasionally - that maintain a well-deserved air of exclusivity without being posh and unfriendly. If Herbert Johnson Hatters still existed in their true form, the experience would probably be similar...
Oh right, the Lock&Co/ROTLA connection - there isn't one. Harrison Ford did purchase a fedora from Lock for privat use, not for the film.
Our own proud hat display - Akubras, Kepplers, HJs and an Optimo on display in ob1al's hotel room...
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