For her birthday, Sydney University’s Oliver Watt muses on the genius of our Head of State’s development of the contemporary crown with stylish, tall hats. He writes, “The hat is an example par excellence of aristocratic excess, the equivalent of a peacock’s tail in seducing the Queen’s subjects.” This is one for admirers of both symbolism and fashion. This article was followed shortly afterwards by a modernised – read ‘stripped back’ – opening of the UK Parliament where royal robes and a large, heavy crown were swapped for an attractive ensemble of EU blue with gloves, handbag and a striking hat. With Brexit looming, the symbolism was lost on no one. On this occasion, the crown was carried ahead of our monarch on a plump cushion. It had arrived at Westminster in its own car with its own security detail. See also link below [“Not Merely Costume: the Power and Seduction of the Queen’s Hats” by Oliver Watts, The Conversation online, 12 June 2017]
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
