Tired of the same old jeans and tee-shirts? Longing for some glamour and glitz? Then why not treat yourself to a new Easter Bonnet. There is a long tradition of new clothes, particularly hats, at Easter.


The Guildhall Art Gallery has hats to suit all tastes and budgets, or get creative and make one yourself with some ribbon and glue.


Text and image selection by Gallery volunteer Laura.

5 artworks

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Miss Chester (Eliza Jane Chester) (1795–1859)
Image credit: City of London Corporation

For a touch of celebrity glamour, scarlet velvet remains hard to beat.

Miss Chester (Eliza Jane Chester) (1795–1859) c.1820
John Jackson (1778–1831)
Oil on canvas
H 88 x W 69 cm
City of London Corporation

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Model with a Hat
© the copyright holder. Image credit: City of London Corporation

Prefer something a little more structured? Then this chic red cap is bang on trend.

Model with a Hat
Ottilie Tolansky (1912–1977)
Oil on canvas
H 79 x W 61 cm
City of London Corporation

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The Pretty Peasant
Image credit: City of London Corporation

Don't let a lack of funds prevent you looking from looking your best. A pretty scarf can enliven even the plainest of hats.

The Pretty Peasant 1838
Charles Baxter (1809–1879)
Oil on canvas
H 36 x W 31 cm
City of London Corporation

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Music Shall Play Wherever They Go
Image credit: City of London Corporation

Looking for something floral and romantic? A crown of wild flowers and ribbons is bound to delight.

Music Shall Play Wherever They Go 1849
Willes Maddox (1813–1853)
Oil on canvas
H 87 x W 112 cm
City of London Corporation

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Sun and Moon Flowers
Image credit: City of London Corporation

Still undecided, then why not opt for that springtime classic, the wide brimmed straw hat. Never out of fashion, this elegant bonnet is sure to impress.

Sun and Moon Flowers 1889
George Dunlop Leslie (1835–1921)
Oil on canvas
H 72 x W 72 cm
City of London Corporation