Casgliadau Arlein

Welsh costume hat. Worn by Miss Gwenda Davies in the summer of 1960 as the Welsh Tourist and Holidays Board's 'Hostess for Wales'.

In 1960, as a 20 year old studying at a teacher training college in Liverpool, Gwenda Davies's mother spotted an advert for the role of 'Hostess for Wales' and encouraged her daughter to apply as a summer job. She was interviewed by a panel at a Cardiff hotel, and the announcement that she had won the competition was made on television. Typical duties of the role included meeting dignitaries and attending public events - such eisteddfodau.

Welsh costume hat made from black felt (moulded from a single piece); inner hat band of black flannel which has been adhered in place, flannel has been cut with pinked edges to prevent fraying. Length of pleated machine lace adhered to underside of brim; lace has scalloped edges on both sides. Two lengths of black synthetic ribbon adhered behind flannel hat band for fastening under chin. Rim encapsulated with black synthetic ribbon which has been machine-stitched in place. Rim reinforced with copper wire (underneath ribbon).