Step back in time with The Hat Gallery

After decades of designing and creating custom bridal gowns, ballroom gowns, and formal wear, Sheila Bateman gradually shifted her focus to millinery as she approached her 60s. The physical demands of constructing full-length gowns and working with heavy fabrics led her to explore a different creative direction. Millinery allowed her to continue designing one-of-a-kind pieces at a smaller scale, blending traditional craftsmanship with sculptural design. This new chapter became The Hat Gallery, where Sheila crafted original hats, fascinators, and headpieces for weddings, racewear, and special occasions. As the business evolved, she began exhibiting and selling her unique handcrafted pieces at local markets, including Dingley Village Market and Moonee Valley Market, making affordable fashion accessible to a wider audience. Today, Bateman Original Designs proudly preserves this collection as The Hat Gallery Archive, celebrating Sheila Bateman's creativity, craftsmanship, and the legacy of fashion accessories she left for future generations as clothing for men and women continues to evolve.