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THEATRICAL MILLINERY
AND
COSTUME PROPS

I have worked professionally as a theatrical milliner/costume prop maker in-house and freelance for the past twenty nine years collaborating with many wonderful, award winning costume designers such as COLIN RICHMOND, MIKE BRITTON, GABRIELLE DALTON, ROB JONES, SIMON HIGLETT, FRANCIS O'CONNOR, PAUL WILLS, HANNAH CLARK, EMMA WILLIAMS, PETER MACKINTOSH,

LEE NEWBY, MADELEINE BOYD, HAYLEY GRINDLE, GRACE SMART, BRIONY LANGMEAD and many more.

 

Some of the companies I have worked for include THE GLOBE THEATRE, THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE, ITV, LEEDS PLAYHOUSE, OPERA NORTH, NORTHERN BALLET, LEEDS CITY VARIETIES, TUTTI FRUTTI, ZUOZ GLOBE ZURICH, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE, MANCHESTER ROYAL EXCHANGE, SHEFFIELD CRUCIBLE, LEICESTER CURVE THEATRE, ENGLISH HERITAGE, NATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL, LEEDS YEAR OF CULTURE 2023, BALLY WIRE MEDIA, BRAFORD CITY OF CULTURE, LAPLAND UK, MSC WORLD AMERICA, THE ALPINE THEATRE COMPANY and many more.

 

I was an ASSOCIATE LECTURER TEACHING BA ELECTIVES MILLINERY at LEEDS COLLEGE OF ART for three years. I have also spent several years TEACHING MILLINERY and COSTUME SPECIAL EFFECTS at THE NORTHERN COLLEGE OF COSTUME and HULL COLLEGE

As a theatrical milliner I can be creating anything from period hats to fantasy headdresses. My costume prop work ranges from SPECIAL  EFFECTS ON COSTUMES, DYEING FABRICS and SHOES through to and everything weird and wonderful in between! Over the years I have gained many skills and can work confidently with many different materials such as LEATHER, THERMOPLASTICS, WIRE, PLASTAZOTE, BUCKRAM, FABRICS, FELT, STRAW, SINAMAY and CRIN. In addition I can DRAFT PATTERNS FLAT AND ON THE STAND, BEAD, EMBROIDER and APPLIQUE FABRICS and CREATE and ADAPT JEWELLERY

 

Below are examples of previous work for THEATRE, OPERA, BALLET, TV and many other projects. These are just a small example of my work over the past twenty nine years.

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Visit my FAQ page for further information or to discuss theatrical millinery and costume props for an upcoming production, please get in touch with your project details and timeline. Please fill in the contact form HERE, email alison@alisonmarymillinery.co.uk or call 07903981356

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To view more theatrical millinery and costume props please click HERE and HERE

'I have had the great pleasure of knowing Alison for twenty five years and worked closely with her in professional theatre for fifteen of those. In all that time she has demonstrated her exceptional skills as a craftswoman and milliner with impeccable finish, good taste and creativity and totally reliable, Alison has never missed a deadline. Since expanding into special occasion millinery and headpiece design and production as 'Alison Mary Millinery' she has further shown her exquisite delicacy of touch with wit and charm that clearly gives joy to all her clients.'

STEPHEN SNELL - Former Head of Wardrobe and Costume Designer at Leeds Playhouse

A man wearing a dark red military suit and hat is stood looking straight ahead.
A woman wearing a feather headpiece is stood with her arms around a seated man.

SUEDE BERET -
'OTHELLO'
DESIGNER - Stephen Snell
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Donald Cooper)
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FEATHER HEADDRESS - 
'ANNIE'
DESIGNER - Colin Richmond
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Manuel Harlan)
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A woman in a yellow hat and coat is holding a phone next to a woman in a patterned dress.

1940'S STYLE FELT HAT -

'ANNIE'

DESIGNER - Colin Richmond

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photos by Manuel Harlan)

'Alison is undoubtedly one of our best theatrical milliners. A joy to work with and her end product is always sublime in its finish and detail. She's a true crafts woman and artist and there's no challenge that she doesn't relish and deliver on'

COLIN RICHMOND - Costume and Set Designer

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A woman in a black dress and large black feather headdress looks into the distance.

FEATHER HEADDRESS -

'TURNADOT'

DESIGNER - Joanna Parker

OPERA NORTH (Photo by Tristam Kenton)

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A woman in a long black dress and tall pointed hat stands against a green background.

FABRIC COVERED BUCKRAM WITCH HAT -

'WIZARD OF OZ' 

DESIGNER - Simon Higlett

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Richard Davenport)

Side view of a lady wearing a small black headpiece and grey suit.

VELVET COVERED BUCKRAM HEADPIECE -

'THE DUCHESS OF MALFI'

DESIGNER - Leslie Travers

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

Three women in bloodied aprons and large white hats stands on a stage with people that are seated.

FABRIC AND WIRE NURSE HATS -

'THE MAGIC FLUTE'

DESIGNER - Colin Richmond

OPERA NORTH (Photo by Alastair Muir)

A large lace pointed headpiece is displayed on a white mannequin head against a black background.

FABRIC AND LACE RUSSIAN HEADDRESS -

'THE SNOW MAIDEN' 

OPERA NORTH

A group of people wearing white suits and tall hats stand together on a wooden stage.

'Alison's work is never less than immaculate. Her attention to detail and exquisite finish ensures that every piece of millinery that she undertakes becomes a veritable work of art. Its always a pleasure to work with her and her creations are always perfectly realised'

STEPHEN RODWELL - Head of Wardrobe at Opera North

FELT HATS -

'THE HANGING MAN' 

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A woman in a black and white dress and hat is holding a lit cigarette.

1920'S TWO TONE FELT HAT -

'HAYFEVER'

DESIGNER - Mike Britton

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Keith Pattison)

Side view of a lady wearing a black dress and black and white hat.

1930'S STYLE TWO TONE STRAW HAT -

'THE THIRTY NINE STEPS'

DESIGNER - Mike Britton

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A woman with long black hair is wearing a jewelled crown and white tassled dress.
Four large hats covered in flowers are displayed on white mannequin heads.

VARIOUS FABRIC COVERED HATS -

'MY FAIR LADY'

DESIGNER - Paul Wills

SHEFFIELD CRUCIBLE

 

'I've been lucky enough to collaborate with Alison on a number of productions. A real artist who can take a sketch of an idea and bring it to life with care, details, making it more fabulous than you would imagine! Sensitive and thoughtful, with a huge knowledge base makes her one of our leading milliners'.

PAUL WILLS - Costume and Set Designer

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Side view of a peach coloured large hat with a bow is displayed on a white mannequin head.

1940'S STYLE FELT PERCHER HAT -

'TRIAL BY JURY'

DESIGNER - Gabrielle Dalton

OPERA NORTH 

FABRIC COVERED LEATHER HIDE CROWN -

'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

Three people wearing bright coloured outfits and crowns are stood together.

FABRIC COVERED LEATHER HIDE HEADDRESSES AND NET RABBIT EARS - 
'ALICE IN WONDERLAND'
DESIGNER - Stephen Snell and Ruari Murchison
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A black hat with feather decoration is displayed on a mannequin head.

FELT HAT - 

'STREET SCENE'

DESIGNER - Francis O'Connor

OPERA NORTH (Photo by Clive Barda)

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'Alison is a brilliant milliner and collaborator. From fancy to fantasy, demure to delectable she can conjure pretty much anything. It’s always joyous seeing what she creates.'

FRANCIS O'CONNOR - Costume and set designer

 

Two ladies talking together are wearing a maids cap and large straw hat

MAID CAP AND STRAW HAT -

'HEDDA GABLER'

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A woman in a black hat and coat is stood with a man behind her.

FABRIC COVERED 1940'S STYLE HAT -

'TWELFTH NIGHT'

DESIGNER - Colin Richmond

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

Side view of a straw hat with flowers displayed on a mannequin head.
A woman in a flowery dress is walking towards a man in a suit next to stairs and a chair.

1930'S STRAW HAT -

'STREET SCENE'

DESIGNER - Francis O'Connor

OPERA NORTH (Photo by Clive Barda)

FEATHER  TRIMMED STRAW HAT -

'THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST'

DESIGNER - Isla Shaw

BIRMINGHAM REP THEATRE

A lady wearing a sequin dress and large feather headpiece is stood with a man.

FEATHER SHOWGIRL HEADDRESS -

'SUNSHINE BOYS'

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A brown hat with a pointed front is displayed on a mannequin head.

SUEDE COVERED BUCKRAM SHAPE -

'WIZARD OF OZ'

DESIGNER - Simon Higlett

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A jewelled blue crown is displayed on a wooden hat block.

SPRAYED VARAFORM HEADDRESS -

'EDMUND DE BERGERAC'

DESIGNER - Robert Innes Hopkins

BIRMINGHAM REP THEATRE

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A woman in a flowered wedding dress is stood with a man in a black and white suit.

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'Alison has made hats for the Birmingham Rep for a number of years. Her work is always of a high quality and delivered within deadline. It's great to know that we can send her a design and that she will always work out the best way to achieve the finished item.'

KAY WILTON - Head of Wardrobe at Birmingham Rep

ORGANZA FLOWERS -

'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE'

DESIGNER - Mike Britton

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

Side view of a felt hat
A black hat is displayed on a white mannequin head stood on a wooden table.

'EDNA'S' FELT CLOCHE HAT -

EMMERDALE

ITV

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A group of men in military uniform and two ladies in long dresses are stood together on red stairs.
Four people wearing dirty clothes and beak masks are standing together singing.

VARAFORM CHICKEN BEAKS AND BREAKING DOWN SPECIAL EFFECTS -

'ANIMAL FARM'

DESIGNER - Colin Richmond

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

FELT, STRAW AND FABRIC COVERED HATS -
'THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE'
DESIGNER - Francis O' Connor
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A large green and white hat is displayed on a white mannequin head.

SILK COVERED BUCKRAM HAT -

'TRIAL BY JURY'

DESIGNER - Gabrielle Dalton

OPERA NORTH

A group of people wearing different outfits are carrying red flags.

'I love working with Alison. She has made everything from countless cowboy hats to beautiful, intricate 1930's tilt hats. All done with great skill and attention to detail'

GABRIELLE DALTON - Costume Designer

VARIOUS HEADDRESSES AND PAINT EFFECTS ON COSTUMES -

'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

Two women wearing black dresses and small crescent headpieces are stood together.

FABRIC AND BUCKRAM HEADDRESSES -

'AS YOU LIKE IT LIKE'

DESIGNER - Ruari Murchison

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Keith Pattison)

A large black headdress with a pink pom pom and gold tassles is displayed on a white mannequin head.
Two women in coats and hats are stood together looking in the distance.

FABRIC AND STRAW HATS -

'THE SECRET GARDEN'

DESIGNER - Ruari Murchison

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Keith Pattison)

A small green hat with a feather bird is displayed on a mannequin head.

VELVET HEADDRESS WITH FABRIC POM POM -

'L'ENFANT'

DESIGNER - Hannah Clarke

OPERA NORTH

A woman in an army outfit and hat against a dark background.

ARMY CAP

'BLONDE BOMBSHELLS'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

STRAW HAT -

'SHERLOCK HOLMES'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

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A purple feather hat is displayed on a mannequin head.

FEATHER AND STRAW HAT -

'TRIAL BY JURY'

DESIGNER - Gabrielle Dalton

OPERA NORTH

A grey hat with two black feathers is displayed on a white mannequin head.

SILK COVERED HAT -

'THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST'

DESIGNER - Isla Shaw

BIRMINGHAM REP

A man in a check suit is stood next to a woman in a black hat and coat pouring a drink.

FABRIC COVERED HAT -

'THE THIRTY NINE STEPS'

DESIGNER - Mike Britton

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A man wearing a fruit headdress and colourful outfit is stood against a red curtain.

FRUIT BASKET HEADPIECE
'PRIVATES ON PARADE'
DESIGNER - Mark Bailey
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

'Alison has worked on productions I have designed at the former West Yorkshire Playhouse, from beautiful 1920's hats to organza flowers for a 1950's wedding dress and many things in between. Always precise, meticulous and creative, her talents are only restricted by your own imagination'

MIKE BRITTON - Costume and Set Designer

A woman wearing an orange crab outfit with a woman in a blue dress behind her.

CRAB HEADDRESS -

'ALICE IN WONDERLAND'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Donald Cooper)

Four bright coloured flower headdresses are displayed on wooden hat blocks on a wooden table.

PLASTIZOTE FLOWER HEADDRESSES -

'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

DESIGNER - Rae Smith

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A small red hat with large red feathers is displayed on a white mannequin head.

FABRIC COVERED HAT -

'SHERLOCK HOLMES'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

Two men in flower headdresses are stood together with one playing a guitar.

FABRIC FLOWER HEADDRESSES -

'THE SNOW QUEEN'

DESIGNER - Hannah Clarke

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A group of people in white and blue sailor outfits are dancing together on a dark stage.

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SAILOR HATS -

'ANNIE'

DESIGNER - Colin Richmond

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Manuel Harlan)

Two men in fruit headdresses stand either side of a woman with pink hair.

FABRIC FRUIT HEADDRESSES -

'ANGUS, THONGS AND PERFECT SHOPPING'

DESIGNER - Hannah Clark

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A man in dark clothing is putting a corset on a woman with her arms in the air.

LEATHER HIDE CORSET -

'THE WOODEN FROCK'

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE (Photo by Steve Tanner)

A woman in a blue dress is talking to a woman in a purple and green dress holding a baby.

FABRIC COVERED HEADPIECE - 
'ALICE IN WONDERLAND
DESIGNERS - Stephen Snell and Ruari Murchison
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A group of men singing are wearing jackets and caps.
A rust coloured small hat is displayed on a white mannequin head.

1950'S STYLE FELT HAT - 'TROUBLE IN TAHITI'

DESIGNER - Hannah Clark

OPERA NORTH

Two men wearing white tassled reindeer outfits with red straps are looking over their shoulder.

REINDEER SUEDE HEADPIECES -

'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

DESIGNER - Stephen Snell

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

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FABRIC FLAT CAPS
'THE SECRET GARDEN'
DESIGNER - Ruari Murchison
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A white pleated fabric bonnet is displayed on a mannequin head.
Two red round noses on elastic are displayed on white mannequin heads.

SKELETAL WIRE BONNET
'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'
DESIGNER - Hayley Grindle
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE
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WORBLA CLOWN NOSES
CARTOON CIRCUS LIVE

'Alison made some wonderful clown noses for us. Great quality and speedy/delivery. We work with a lot of prop and costume designers but Alison's service and product quality is beyond great! We look forward to working with her again for future projects'
ELLIOT ROWELL - Cartoon Circus Live / Lemon Jelly Panto's

Bright coloured striped caps are displayed on awooden floor.

WOOL FELT SCHOOL CAPS
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
BRADFORD '25

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