Welcome to the Victorian Underground Project

It’s been a while since we first archived the collection of ‘insect hatters’. We have so many new and ongoing collections that we’re struggling to get them up.

We don’t have much more information on this peculiar pastime. We do know that this collection of photographs was taken in Dewsbury where these gentlemen gathered monthly at a public house called the Flycatcher’s Feather.

It’s important to note that the insects used for decoration are real. However, the gentlemen wearing them have been playing Frankenstein. Their insects have often been cut up and stitched back together as to not resemble any known species of insect. The hats were also worn at important gatherings such as weddings, birthdays and funerals.

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TVUP