kids encyclopedia robot

Sibilla Hutton facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Sibilla Hutton
Sibbilla Hutton from A Whim - or a visit to the Mud Bridge 1786 by John Kay (cropped).png
Born
Poss. Dalkeith
Died 1808
Nationality Great Britain
Occupation milliner

Sibilla "Sibbie" Hutton (died 1808) was a famous Scottish milliner and shopkeeper. She lived in Edinburgh during the 1700s. Sibbie was known for her hat shop, which was located in a building now called the Edinburgh City Chambers. People often drew funny pictures of her because of her unique fashion style and her size.

About Sibbie Hutton

Sibbie Hutton's exact birth date and place are not known. Her father was Reverend William Hutton, a religious leader in Dalkeith. Her mother was also named Sibella. Her mother's family came from Edinburgh.

Her Public Image

Sibbie Hutton was a well-known person in Edinburgh. A famous artist named John Kay often included her in his funny drawings. In one drawing, he showed her talking to a banker named Robert Johnstone. Both of them were drawn as being quite large, which was a source of humor.

Robert Johnston and Sibilla Hutton caricature by John Kay
Robert Johnston and Sibilla Hutton caricature by John Kay

John Kay planned to publish a book of his portraits. In this book, he wrote about Sibella's relationship with her father. He said her father worried she cared too much about fashion. But Sibella didn't mind. She was known for wearing very large hats. She kept wearing them even when her father criticized her. She only stopped when big hats went out of style.

Her Business

Sibbie Hutton ran her business from the impressive Royal Exchange buildings in Edinburgh. This was a grand place where customers could visit and buy her fashionable goods. To keep up with the latest trends, Hutton would travel to London. There, she would buy new materials and see the newest fashions.

In 1781, Sibilla had a problem with the Edinburgh city leaders. She had added an extra bay window to her shop. She did this by removing a staircase without asking for permission first. The city told her she had to change her property back to how it was. If she didn't, she would have to pay a large fine.

Later, in 1790, Sibbie opened a new business in London. Her sister, Mrs. Nellie Kidd, eventually managed this London shop. Mrs. Kidd also had her own hat and sewing supplies business in Princes Street in Edinburgh.

Sibbie Hutton passed away in Edinburgh in 1808.

kids search engine
Sibilla Hutton Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.