WSA Students at Winchester Hat Fair
Once again, this year, Winchester School of Art students have been involved with the city's annual Hat Fair.
Lowena Hoskin, Humaira Zakaria, Heather Rankine, and Katie Moore were all offered one month funded internships with Hat Fair via the University’s Excel scheme.
As part of that programme they worked with the Theatre Royal Winchester company for the role of Hat Fair designer/maker interns. They were tasked to design and make creative installations as a team for two alleyways around the city centre as part of the festival.
The first alleyway, next to the Maison Blanc, was called the Secret Garden where families and locals explored as they entered a fairytale-inspired setting. It featured a lot of quirky items and individuals were able to spot a variety of hidden objects as they walked down the alleyway. "We bought more than £50 worth of fresh flowers as well as vintage furniture from the local Winchester shop. There were hanging flower pots attached to trellises and artificial grass laid down the alleyway to add to that fantastical ambience."
The second alleyway was called the Try-On Hats which plays on the traditions and history of the Hat Fair festival. An experience where individuals can try on a variety of unique, hand-made hats! The alleyway’s boudoir-themed décor offered visitors many luxurious and also playful ‘selfie’ opportunities.
WSA's enjoys continued involvement in the creative life of Winchester, and the students benefit greatly from becoming part of their community. The association with the Hat Fair is on-going and very engaging for them.
More information about the Hat Fair can be found at http://hatfair.co.uk/.
