For over 170 years, the bowler hat has stood as a cultural icon—an accessory as steeped in tradition as it is in resilience. This story of the bowler begins in the workshops of James Locke & Co., London’s oldest hatter, a name synonymous with fine British craftsmanship since its founding. Originally conceived not as a style statement, but as protective headwear, the bowler hat was commissioned by politician William Coke, who sought a sturdy replacement for his top hat. Coke needed a hat that would endure the rugged duties of his gamekeepers as they traversed his Norfolk estate, a role for which the iconic Coke hat—now widely known as the bowler hat—was uniquely suited.
Thanks to its durability and refined design, it became the working man’s accessory across London, gracing the heads of labourers and tradesmen as a precursor to the hard hats seen on construction sites today. The bowler’s appeal eventually caught the attention fashion followers, including Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria, who elevated the bowler to a staple of late 19th- and early 20th-century fashion. It was an accessory that symbolised not only function but also a rising sense of modern style.
The bowler’s role evolved, becoming an unspoken uniform of London’s civil servants, bankers, and businessmen. Worn across the City of London, it became an emblem of status, sophistication, and success—no individual of business or political repute was seen in “the City” without one.
For John Foster & Son, the bowler hat holds a special significance as part of our own story. The John Foster bowler was originally worn by Willie Gallimore, Managing Director of John Foster from 1927 to 1968 and the paternal grandfather of our current Managing Director, David Gallimore. Willie’s visits to London, affectionately known as “going up to town,” were always marked by the presence of his bowler hat.
Today, the records of Willie’s purchase, including his specific measurements, are still held at Locke & Co., a testament to the enduring connection between two esteemed British establishments.
David Gallimore continues to cherish its shared legacy with Locke & Co. Recently, in a gesture of continuity, Locke & Co. presented David with their latest hatbox, offering a safe place for this cherished piece of John Foster family history.
The bowler hat endures not only as a historical artifact but as a symbol of resilience, style, and tradition. With David Gallimore at the helm, John Foster & Son proudly remembers its history alongside Locke & Co., continuing a legacy of fine craftsmanship and dedication preserved for generations to come.