Fashion History 101: Mad as a Hatter

Fashion has always been intrinsic to modern definitions of humanity, so much so that it’s woven it’s way into our language.

Today’s Fashion history lesson takes us through the origins of the phrase ‘Mad as a Hatter’, the saying that inspired Lews Caroll’s famous Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

In the 18th century felt hats were worn by pretty much every man who could afford one, produced by hundreds of workers in factories.

One step of the process, soaking and treating the animal fur (usually rabbit or beaver) to create mouldable felt, was called carting, and this step involved workers leaning closely over their work - soaking the raw materials in mercury. Which, is a highly toxic metal.

Operating in a time with a severe lack of workers rights or protections huge numbers of these workers began to experience mercury poisoning - referred to as ‘mad hatters’ because of the erratic behaviour this poisoning prompted.

Known as ‘erethism’ this condition causes neurological damage, kidney failure, respiratory issues, tremors, irritability, memory loss, hallucinations and personality changes.

The history of fashion is in large part an industrial one, telling is the tale of workers, factories, science and classism all at once. It’s a hugely important part of our history.