Hats for every opportunity: hat workshop by Matjaž Rešek, J.I.M. klobuki

Hats for every opportunity: hat workshop by Matjaž Rešek, J.I.M. klobuki

Handcraft in Škofja Loka goes back to the time of the Middle ages when here was the place of hat makers. Historical sources prove that hat makers of Škofja Loka connected with the ones of Carniola in 1633. Together they created the feudal hat corporation of st. John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. Throughout the years and centuries, different numbers of hat makers were present in Škofja Loka. From the middle of the 18th century up until the 60s of the 20th century 13 hat workshops were active. They occupied 154 apprentices, helpers, and masters. Education and passing the knowledge on were of the utmost importance. The knowledge was passed from generation to generation, as well as education gained in a craft school in Škofja Loka.

Hat making as a craft grew into an industry when a hat factory Šešir was established in 1921 in Škofja Loka. Its history was dynamic and interesting but it sadly ended in 2016, with the factory’s bankruptcy. It is a fact that the factory importantly contributed to the development and visibility of Škofja Loka. It connects many personal, family, and business stories.
Not a lot stayed from the factory. Only memories and hats that are still worn by this day by some. The year 2021 marks a beginning of a new and important hat story. On the year of Šešir’s 100th anniversary, Matjaž Rešek opened his hat workshop called J.I.M. klobuki.

Hat maker Matjaž Rešek comes from Poljanska Valley.For 20 years his life has been intertwined with hats since he first worked with them in the Šešir hat factory in Škofja Loka. He worked as an investment and maintenance manager and got to know the process of hat-making from start to finish. Knowing all the steps helped him work better. Hat crafting got under his skin. He built his knowledge as he was working in the factory as well as working with masters in Slovenia and abroad. With his work, he keeps centuries of the craft alive. He realizes how important the accessibility of hat making knowledge is and he hopes to teach younger generations.

Quality and a personal approach are achieved with small quantity production and hats made to measure. His hats are made out of materials of the best quality. Rabbit hair is the best due to it’s characteristics. Exhibition Hat for every opportunity shows a small portion of Matjaž’s work. It shows the process of making a hat, different ways of treating the surface, and results, which are male and female hats, hunting, cowboy, hiking hats, folk hats, and hats for costumes.
Welcomed to take a look at the exhibition as well as Matjaž’s workshop (Strana cesta 2, Škofja Loka).

The exhibition will be open until the 20th of November 2021. Welcome!