THE DEERSTALKER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
Author: SherlockExtra - Translator: Revati
The most striking trademark of Holmes is his unique double-flapped hat. As a matter of fact, it is a hat used by hunters. Its fabric is wadded wool, and its shape is peculiar: there is a rim both on its front and on its back, it has two flaps hold together by a stylish ribbon on the top.
Sidney Paget the first illustrator of Holmes novels wore a deerstalker too, and so did the American actor William Gillette, who was the first actor to portray Sherlock in theatre. The great detective presumably inherited the habit of wearing something on his head outdoors from dr. Joseph Bell, who inspired his character. To cover the head outdoors was usual in the Victorian era.
It is believed that Sherlock’s hat was originally grey, without patterns, but in the course of time brown, chequered and other versions (black, for example) became popular too. The chequered one was useful as cover-up during hunting, and it looked special on screen.
Holmes donned his deerstalker only in the country, in the city he wore a hat or top hat. Unfortunately some adaptations pay no attention to this, so the detective treads the streets of London wearing a deerstalker.
Matt Frewer's Sherlock Holmes wore his cap in London.
Jeremy Brett used thicker and thinner versions of the deerstalker while shooting the Granada series (The studio respected the habit of deerstalker wearing.). Since Holmes is the picture of logic, nowadays this type of hat symbolizes learning or refers to the brilliant detective.
In the modern Sherlock series the deerstalker appears as a kind of gag. It helps Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) to cover-up against paparazzi. Later he gets one as a present, but he hates it. But John Watson points out that he is known thanks to the hat.
Celebrities in deerstalker:
Jeffrey Matthew Settle (actor) has a hat
that slightly differs from the traditional deerstalker.
The deerstalker is really comfortable. It protects from sunlight, wind and rain. It does not ruffle your hair and it is durable.
You can wear a deerstalker
- for hunting
- on Sherlock Holmes meetings
- on excursions
- on parties, fancy-dress balls
- on lessons (for arouse interest)
- for sleeping, as eye-shade.
Everybody needs a Sherlock Holmes cap.
Author: SherlockExtra
Translator: Revati
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