Having removed all the innards and outards of the distorted bowler hat and used a sponge and rag dipped in hot water to go over the damage, it seems that reports of its demise were exagerated.

Being made of wool - I supose, and felted, heat and pressure can reshape it. It isn't perfect - yet, but with more work it will surely recover!!

I just need to find out how to restore the tape and leather band of the inside, which seem to have been put together with lots of tiny stitches. There is also a shaping 'string' which is broken in several places and could actualy be a sliver of wood - but that is probably beyond my abilities to recreate. I could try a fine steel wire, folded inside a tape sewn onto the leather band then attached to the hat.

Then if anyone tries to scrag it again there would be the chance that the wire could pierce an artery.

One can but hope.....

Anne Croucher