What are millinery moulds?

Millinery moulds are solid forms historically used by hat makers to shape and dry felt, straw, and fabric hats during production. Today, they are collected and displayed as decorative sculptures that celebrate industrial and workshop heritage.

You can display wooden blocks and aluminium moulds on open shelving, desks, or mantelpieces where their sculptural profiles stand out. Their neutral wood tones and patinated metal surfaces blend easily into both modern and traditional interiors.

Are they made of wood?

Many traditional examples are carved from hardwoods like beech, fruitwood, oak, and walnut. Later twentieth-century versions are frequently cast from aluminium or iron for heavy commercial use.

How old are these blocks?

The pieces seen here date from the mid-nineteenth century through to the nineteen-twenties. Earlier examples often display hand-carved details, while later pieces tend to be industrial aluminium moulds with factory numbers.