It’s the end of an era for Joan Pressley and Kathyrn Courage, the mother and daughter dream team behind the famous Joan Pressley Hats.

Nestled on St John's Alley in Devizes, the shop has been attracting customers from across the UK for the last 34 years.

But now the pair are to retire and hope that someone might take over their legacy.

Joan and Kathryn have Pressley fitted women for the royal wedding, Royal Ascot and Buckingham Palace garden parties.

Hundreds of hats were also used in the 2008 film Made of Honor, which starred Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan.

For Joan and Kathryn, every hat tells a story, or stories, and each customer experience has been a joy to be a part of.

“It’s a way of life,” explained Kathryn.

“We’ve met so many amazing people from all over the place. And the chance to work together really is just so special.

“We are both incredibly lucky to have been able to do a job we love for so long. We'll miss our fantastic customers as they've helped us reach this stage where we are today. It's been a joy.”

Joan and Kathryn have made the difficult decision to now retire, and have thanked their loyal customers for decades of memories.

Joan described her work as a “huge privilege” over the years.

She started the shop back in 1987 after noticing a real gap in the market for bespoke hats.

She very quickly went on to achieve huge levels of success, and people from across the UK flocked to Devizes as recommendations spread.

"I just love it," said Joan.

"We’ve had people come from all over over the years, places like Bristol, Frome, Bath as well as further afield. It is much more than just a job.

“Ascot every year really is fantastic, but every customer really has mattered. I remember every hat."

As well as offering hats from leading designers, Joan and Kathryn also carry out a bespoke re-trimming service, and tailor hats to fit the outfits and occasion specifically.

They have also judged hat events at the Arlington Races in Chicago, the US equivalent of Ascot.

They are so popular that it is appointment only for its many customers of all ages and backgrounds.

During our interview this week, a group of teenage girls had popped in to request an appointment so they could look at some hats - and were promised a chance to look around in the future.

Joan and Kathryn hope that there might be someone willing to take over the Joan Pressley Hats brand, and allow the store’s legacy to continue on for years to come.

Keeping the tradition alive for generations to come is a hope for the family.

“I will really miss it,” said Joan.

 

Joan has brought many people to Devizes for the first time

Joan has brought many people to Devizes for the first time

 

"For us it's always been really important to create a comfortable atmosphere, we never want people to feel intimidated or overwhelmed by choosing a hat. It should be a really happy experience.

"But it was time for us to retire. We really do want to thank everyone that has supported us over the years, thank you."

A sale is underway at Joan Pressley Hats in the weeks leading up to retirement for Joan and Kathryn.

For more information, visit https://joanpressleyhats.com/ or call 01380 722906

Ida McConnell, of the Devizes Indies organisation, added: "Joan Pressley is a legend in Devizes and will be sorely missed by those who rent their hats for special occasions."

Councillor Judy Rose, who has hired hats from Joan and Kathryn in the past, added that they were both "lovely, knowledgeable ladies whose services will be very much missed."