Summary

Toy Derby-style hat made by Mrs Johanna Harry Hillier, nee Gyles, circa 1929-1935, in which was stored toys made from MacRobertson's Max Mint wrappers of waxed paper, printed with a diamond shape in blue and orange with a background of red and blue zig-zag lines.

Mrs Hillier came to Australia from England in 1881. She was a milliner by trade and made a set of these toys for each of three grandchildren. She began by making the fans and then progressed to a variety of other toys. A set of 56 figures, pieces of furniture, costume and costume accessories was donated to Museums Victoria by one of her granddaughters.

Physical Description

Doll size hat made from wire and mesh frame covered with Max Mints confectionary wrappers. Hat is oval shaped with deep upturned brim. Crown has deep groove at one end and flower formed of thin pink ribbon loops at other end. Max Mints flower is fitted underneath this, with two layers blue ribbon and two layers pink ribbon on band. Pleats sewn onto crown. Hat is hand sewn and constructed.

More Information