Ancient 2,000 year old Roman hat restored for display at Manchester museum
One of three known 2000-year-old hats that kept the sun out of the eyes of Romans has been restored and gone on display.
The hat - which is made of out of wool - was used by soldiers to keep them cool in the harsh desert climate. The artefact is on display at Bolton Museum and is now considered the best-preserved example in the world.
It is believed to have been made for a member of the Roman military after the conquest of Egypt following the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC.
The hat resembles other coverings from the Roman Empire circa 200 CE, though it appears to have been adapted for Egyptian conditions, such as intense sun and sandstorms.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: "It’s an incredible moment for Bolton to display such a rare and well-preserved item from ancient Egypt.
“This remarkable object not only tells a global story, but it also reminds us of the power our museums have to inspire future generations, right here in Bolton."
The piece was donated to Bolton’s first museum, The Chadwick Museum - located in Queen’s Park - in 1911 by Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, a world-leading archaeologist in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
The conservation of the hat was done by expert textile conservator Jacqui Hyman, who has worked on projects around the world - from museums to royalty, for almost five decades.
Funding for the conservation was gifted by electrical enclosure manufacturer, Ritherdon & Co. Ltd.. Jacqui Hyman, Textile Conservator, said: "I had the unique privilege to handle and investigate the construction and conserve this very rare felt hat.
“Planning the appropriate and sensitive treatment was paramount due to its fragility. Damage by moths had resulted in areas of missing felt, but by supporting and stabilising these areas with similar hand-dyed fabric, the original shape of the hat was recreated.
“Suddenly, a flat, fragile, boxed item had come to life. This hat was made to be worn, but if only it could talk and tell us who made it and who wore it.”
Ben Ritherdon, Director of Ritherdon & Co. Ltd, said: “It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep, in Bolton Museum, and it was a privilege for us to be able to contribute to its conservation.
“With so many worthy causes for small businesses to support, it’s important not to forget that regional educational and cultural organisations, like our local museums, also rely on businesses in their community.”
The Roman hat is on display at the entrance to the Bolton’s Egypt galleries and will be there until September 2025. The two other known hats are held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and a museum in Florence, Italy.