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The statue of a man Tipping the Denton Linney Hat was the second of six commissioned bronze statues produced by Escar UK Bronze for Greater Manchester Council, England
This statue is dedicated to the workers of the hatting industry and depicts a man Tipping his Linney Hat, a famous brand once manufactured in Denton by Walker, Ashworth & Linney Ltd
The life-size statue stands opposite the former Denton Town Hall (now a library) located in Jubilee Square, Albert St, Denton, England and was unveiled by Councillor Martin Wareing MBE JP (Mayor of Tameside : 1988/89), on the 12th of October, 2005
Hat manufacturing made Denton and Haughton (now part of Denton) famous during the 18th century, as due to the plentiful supply of rabbits in the area, farmers began to supplement their income by making felt hats
Gradually this cottage industry developed into some twenty hat factories which were established in various parts of the town, the heaviest concentration being in Wilton Street
Throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th century, there were factories manufacturing a wide range of hats to suit all tastes and purses; felt hats, silk hats, fur hats, soft hats, stiff hats, velour hats, wool hats, straw hats and of course, the ubiquitous cloth cap
As fashions changed, traditional designs were modified and brand new styles were produced and in this way local companies remained adaptable until hats were no longer everyday wear
In the 1930s the ‘Attaboy’ Trilby Hat was introduced and this brand quickly became famous throughout the world, being in production for many years
The well-known saying “If you want to get ahead, then get a hat” arose in Denton and needless to say, anyone attending a job interview not wearing a hat was quickly shown the door!
Also the term “Mad as a Hatter” originated in Denton due to the unfortunate use of mercury in the felting process which often led to Mercury Poisoning, causing hat makers to exhibit erratic and irrational behavior
The hazardous working conditions in the hat-making industry thus gave rise to this phrase, highlighting the dangerous impact of mercury on the health of workers
The practice of a man doffing or tipping one’s hat, is a gesture steeped in historical significance
As he walks along he ‘tips’ his hat to a passing lady which traditionally was a sign of respect, greeting or acknowledgment
When performed with a Denton Linney Hat, the gesture transcends mere politeness, becoming a homage to the rich cultural and historical narrative of Denton’s hat-making excellence
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and honoring the craftsmanship that defines a community’s identity
As he walks along he ‘tips’ his hat to a passing lady which traditionally was a sign of respect, greeting or acknowledgment
Today, while the widespread practice of hat-tipping has waned, the Denton Linney Hat remains a cherished cultural symbol and collectors and fashion enthusiasts seek out these hats, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the rich history they represent
In Denton, the tradition of Tipping the Linney Hat is honored through numerous festivals, parades, and community events
These celebrations often feature participants donning Linney Hats and incorporating the tipping gesture as a nod to the town’s rich history
This custom, deeply rooted in Denton’s heritage, unites the community and commemorates the town’s unique cultural legacy
