It is thought to have been worn by a Roman soldier
A Roman woollen hat prior to restoration. (Image: Bolton Library & Museum Services / SWNS)
A 2000-year-old Roman artefact thought one of the best-preserved examples of its kind has gone on display at Bolton Museum.
One of only three of its kind, a woollen hat dating back to the Roman Empire is thought to have been designed to keep the sun out of the eyes of soldiers – and keep them cool in harsh desert climates.
It is believed to have been made for a member of the Roman military after the conquest of Egypt, following the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC.
Appearing to have been adapted for Egyptian conditions such as intense sun and sandstorms, it is considered the best-preserved of its kind in the world.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, told SWNS: “It’s an incredible moment for Bolton to display such a rare and well-preserved item from ancient Egypt.
“This remarkable object not only tells a global story, but it also reminds us of the power our museums have to inspire future generations, right here in Bolton.”
The piece was donated to Bolton’s first museum, The Chadwick Museum in Queen’s Park, in 1911 by Sir William Matthew Petrie, a world-leading archaeologist and Egyptologist of the time.
The conservation of the hat was done by expert textile conservator Jacqui Hyman, who has worked on projects around the world – from museums to royalty over a career spanning nearly five decades.
She called the conservation process of the ‘very rare’ item a ‘unique privilege’
Conservator Jacqui Hyman with the hat which she worked to restore.(Image: Ian Trumble / SWNS)
“Planning the appropriate and sensitive treatment was paramount due to its fragility,” said Hyman.
“Damage by moths had resulted in areas of missing felt, but by supporting and stabilising these areas with similar hand-dyed fabric, the original shape of the hat was recreated.
“Suddenly, a flat, fragile, boxed item had come to life. This hat was made to be worn, but if only it could talk and tell us who made it and who wore it”.
Ben Ritherdon, director of Ritherdon & Co who funded the conservation, said: “It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep, and it was a privilege for us to be able to contribute to its conservation.
“With so many worthy causes for small businesses to support, it’s important not to forget that cultural organisations, like our local museums, also rely on businesses in their community.”
The Roman hat is on display at the entrance to the Bolton’s Egypt galleries and will be there until September 2025.
The two other known hats are held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and a museum in Florence, Italy.