The eighth edition of London Craft Week's Wherever I Lay My Hat Exhibition, an exposition of excellent hat craftsmanship from around the world, took place this year. Jo Cope and Shelter reunited in a really unique event at Boutique By Shelter, Coal Drops Yard. The exhibition honors the positive impact that Shelter's advice and support services have on people that are affected by the current unjust housing system.
Six excellent hat designers/artists were invited to work with homeless people to learn about their stories and dreams for the future. The designers were Flora McLean, Max x LB, Vivienne. H. Lake, Sage Townsend, Karen Henriksen and Vesna Pesic.
The hats in this project signify a 'roof over the head,' emphasizing the necessity of having a place to call home, a place to lay your 'hat,' and rest your head.
The exhibition intends to bring attention to the tens of thousands of people facing evictions, substandard housing, landlord issues, and homelessness. Shelter offers them hope. With the right assistance and support, such people can fight for their right to a safe home.
Each designer's hat has a unique story to tell. It's a representation of how they view, think about, and understand each of the six homeless people's tales. The artists attempt to convey the concept of the home that these people are striving for and what the home means to them.
For instance, Karen teamed up with Chris from Sheffield, whose inspiring story inspired this sculptural cycle helmet.
In the end, it was exciting and moving at the same time to see such beautiful designs crafted to raise awareness about such an important social cause.
