Casgliadau Arlein

Bonnet 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.

White bonnet made from synthetic fabric. The fabric is tabby woven but has been heat treated to impress a textured surface. White pleated machine-made cotton lace has been stitched around the edge. The outer edge of the lace is unfinished. The seam between bonnet and lace has been covered with a white synthetic ribbon which has been stitched in place. The lower edge of the bonnet has been encapsulated with a section of the textured white fabric, leaving enough room to insert a black synthetic ribbon draw string. Lace is the same as on apron.