Biography
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The face behind the hats of Deborah Walton is Debbie Lough. That's me *wave*. I trained in millinery at Leeds College of Art, graduating from the 2 year HNC course with distinction in 2013. My designs are inspired by many things - the world around me, architecture, art, history, film, even music, but my love of art deco and old movies are recurring themes. I like working with old, traditional materials that have been passed down through generations; alongside new and innovative materials and techniques. |
I don't really design seasonal collections, in the traditional 'fashion' sense; I much prefer to design as the inspiration hits me, or to work with my clients to produce individual bespoke, or couture pieces just for them.
More About Me.
My journey with a needle began a long time before I began making hats.
I started out in a council house in Whitley Bay, in the north east of England, closer to the Scottish border than to London, as an inquisitive little girl being brought up by my Nana.
I was an insufferable child, and I wanted to know "WHY?" about everything. Slightly worryingly for Nana, the specific 'why' that I wanted to know most about was to do with fingers and sockets. So when most kids my age were watching The Flumps, I picked up my first needle and started making things, under the careful guidance of Nana, who had trained in tailoring in the 1930s. (Though I watched The Flumps too.! 'De-do-de-do-de-doooo-de-do...') The most common phrase heard in the house for some years became 'it's not straight, do it again'!
Fast forward, to an equally inquisitive ten year old, with a set of sewing skills, and a low boredom threshold. I decided to learn about more than just the sewing of garments, and found a book in the local library, in Monkseaton, all about pattern cutting (this was 'Metric Pattern Cutting', that I later used at university while studying fashion).
Shortly after that I designed my first dress, for a Blue peter competition - I didn't get anywhere, (I think my designs may have been a little too 'out there'), but the design bug bit.
Since then, I have designed and made all sorts of pieces, including historical costumes, wedding and prom dresses, flags and embroidery, some of which have been seen on UK and US television. My costume and clothing clients include HM Royal Armouries, English Heritage, the BBC, and Iron Maiden - my work can be seen in The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, and ITV's Primeval, and has been used onstage at Shakespeare's Globe.
In 2011, I decided to apply to go back to school to learn how to make hats, at Leeds College of Art, and I was offered a place on the spot. Two and a bit years later, I graduated with distinction.
Headwear and hats I have made have been exhibited / used at (among others):
My journey with a needle began a long time before I began making hats.
I started out in a council house in Whitley Bay, in the north east of England, closer to the Scottish border than to London, as an inquisitive little girl being brought up by my Nana.
I was an insufferable child, and I wanted to know "WHY?" about everything. Slightly worryingly for Nana, the specific 'why' that I wanted to know most about was to do with fingers and sockets. So when most kids my age were watching The Flumps, I picked up my first needle and started making things, under the careful guidance of Nana, who had trained in tailoring in the 1930s. (Though I watched The Flumps too.! 'De-do-de-do-de-doooo-de-do...') The most common phrase heard in the house for some years became 'it's not straight, do it again'!
Fast forward, to an equally inquisitive ten year old, with a set of sewing skills, and a low boredom threshold. I decided to learn about more than just the sewing of garments, and found a book in the local library, in Monkseaton, all about pattern cutting (this was 'Metric Pattern Cutting', that I later used at university while studying fashion).
Shortly after that I designed my first dress, for a Blue peter competition - I didn't get anywhere, (I think my designs may have been a little too 'out there'), but the design bug bit.
Since then, I have designed and made all sorts of pieces, including historical costumes, wedding and prom dresses, flags and embroidery, some of which have been seen on UK and US television. My costume and clothing clients include HM Royal Armouries, English Heritage, the BBC, and Iron Maiden - my work can be seen in The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, and ITV's Primeval, and has been used onstage at Shakespeare's Globe.
In 2011, I decided to apply to go back to school to learn how to make hats, at Leeds College of Art, and I was offered a place on the spot. Two and a bit years later, I graduated with distinction.
Headwear and hats I have made have been exhibited / used at (among others):
- Hat Works (the hat museum in Stockport)
- 'York's Chocolate Story' (a visitor attraction in York)
- Ebor racing festival in York
- The National Army Museum
- Fenwick of York (a department store)
- In Idaho, USA, in a permanent display in a store window
- The 150th anniversary celebrations on the London Underground (although apparently, very tall stovepipe top hats, and Tube trains require some neck exercise!)
- By English Heritage at Brodsworth Hall
- Wakefield Museum
- Batley Art Gallery
- Leeds College of Art
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This website, and all the photographs, logos, text and other content contained within it are copyright Deborah Walton, 2013, unless otherwise stated. By entering this site you are acknowledging your awareness of this, and agreeing not to copy content without permission.'Deborah Walton' and the pictograph logo are trademarks of Deborah Walton.
This website, and all the photographs, logos, text and other content contained within it are copyright Deborah Walton, 2013, unless otherwise stated. By entering this site you are acknowledging your awareness of this, and agreeing not to copy content without permission.'Deborah Walton' and the pictograph logo are trademarks of Deborah Walton.
