A lifelong hat addict, Verna trained in Millinery in 2013 as a second career after many years working in Education. An introductory course at Denman College turned out to be a life changer. Not only did she love it, it drew on needlework skills honed through dressmaking as a teenager. Together with a friend, made on the course, she discovered an inspirational local milliner, Louise Pocock, with whom she was able to study for City and Guilds Levels 2 and 3.

Verna draws inspiration from a wide range of sources: architecture, science and technology, the natural world,  social and cultural traditions, not to mention the rich range of colours and materials available to the modern milliner. She revels in  the attention to detail required to create the perfect finished piece.

Her hats and headpieces are mainly made to commission or for exhibition. Verna’s hats and headpieces have graced the heads of brides,  their mothers and recipients of awards heading to Windsor Castle. She especially likes to work with clients who find themselves in need of a hat, when they’re convinced that hats are not really for them. The process of working with them to find a solution which works both for them and their special moment is a wonderful creative challenge which brings immense rewards.

Verna specialises in headwear for special occasions ranging from sculptural and theatrical to simple understated elegance depending on the preference of the client. Her emphasis is always on the use of high quality materials, hand crafted to the highest standard.

Having exhibited at The London Hat Week Great exhibition in 2019 and 2020 Verna  currently exhibits full time at Church Lane Gallery, Banbury and at Wise Investment Chipping Norton as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks.