John Moran Hood

[SakerJack]

Here are two photos of a hood I purchased on E-bay from hood making legend John Moran. The hood was blocked on Chinook blocks. John mentioned as he gets more familiar with them he is very pleased with them and their symmetry and style.

[SakerJack]

From the back

[OutHawkn]

We've had this discussion before but here I go again LOL. You keep calling him a legend..but your craftsmanship is equal to or better than his..........:supz:

[DeadDogs]

Ken I agree with Bill on this one also.

[Tony James]

We've had this discussion before but here I go again LOL. You keep calling him a legend..but your craftsmanship is equal to or better than his..........:supz:

Hi Bill,

you'd have to agree though, the Mollens are 'legendary' as hoodmakers go, yet they'd struggle to impress against the wonderful hoodmakers of today.
Legends don't have to be unsurpassable, rather they need to be inspirational (inspiring others to surpass them perhaps) --- and I guess John Moran has been just that.

Happy Christmas,

Tony.

[CanadaManada]

Nice!
Ken, why not show the guys that "red baron" hood you got off Moran last year?

Justin

[OutHawkn]

Hi Bill,

you'd have to agree though, the Mollens are 'legendary' as hoodmakers go, yet they'd struggle to impress against the wonderful hoodmakers of today.
Legends don't have to be unsurpassable, rather they need to be inspirational (inspiring others to surpass them perhaps) --- and I guess John Moran has been just that.

Happy Christmas,

Tony.

Hello Tony

I would agree with you on the Mollens...
And I'm not "knocking" John Moran...
But Ken is second to non..at least from what I've seen.........

[SakerJack]

Hi Bill,

you'd have to agree though, the Mollens are 'legendary' as hoodmakers go, yet they'd struggle to impress against the wonderful hoodmakers of today.
Legends don't have to be unsurpassable, rather they need to be inspirational (inspiring others to surpass them perhaps) --- and I guess John Moran has been just that.

Happy Christmas,

Tony.

Thank you so much Bill, Deaddogs,,Tony, for sure the Mollens are legendary no doubt about it, they were years ahead of their time and produced exceptional hoods for falconers around the world..
I like your comment about legends, John Moran has certainly been MY inspiration and has been to countless others out there making hoods,,His innovations, carving of leathers and of course his art work were 40 years ahead of us and in my mind cannot be matched. Over the years I have had the pleasure of trading ideas and pictures with hood makers most of you have never heard of, they make hoods for themselves and friends and do not produce hoods commercially,, their works would blow you away.. To be somehow mentioned in the same breath with some of them and some of the well known hood makers is very much appreciated.
I still have a long way to go to where I want to be,,
All the best..

[Tony James]

Hello Tony

I would agree with you on the Mollens...
And I'm not "knocking" John Moran...
But Ken is second to non..at least from what I've seen.........

Hi Bill,

I didn't mean to infer you were knocking John Moran, and your obvious regard for Ken's work is a pleasure to read of (compliments seem so rare at times).

Have a great Christmas,

Tony.

[Tony James]

Thank you so much Bill, Deaddogs,,Tony, for sure the Mollens are legendary no doubt about it, they were years ahead of their time and produced exceptional hoods for falconers around the world..
I like your comment about legends, John Moran has certainly been MY inspiration and has been to countless others out there making hoods,,His innovations, carving of leathers and of course his art work were 40 years ahead of us and in my mind cannot be matched. Over the years I have had the pleasure of trading ideas and pictures with hood makers most of you have never heard of, they make hoods for themselves and friends and do not produce hoods commercially,, their works would blow you away.. To be somehow mentioned in the same breath with some of them and some of the well known hood makers is very much appreciated.
I still have a long way to go to where I want to be,,
All the best..

Hi Ken,

from what I've seen of your work, you deserve the acknowledgement you get.
The hoods that you, and a number of other present day makers produce are quite simply fantastic. Had any of you produced such wonderful things in the 70's or before, I think the label of 'Legend' would have been firmly attached.
The difficulty must now be to identify an aspect of the modern hood that can be improved upon.

Happy Christmas,

Tony.

[SakerJack]

Hi Ken,

from what I've seen of your work, you deserve the acknowledgement you get.
The hoods that you, and a number of other present day makers produce are quite simply fantastic. Had any of you produced such wonderful things in the 70's or before, I think the label of 'Legend' would have been firmly attached.
The difficulty must now be to identify an aspect of the modern hood that can be improved upon.

Happy Christmas,

Tony.

Well said Tony,,there are so many fine hood makers out there and I agree 30 years ago who knows?,,, but to me that tells you how advanced John was. He shows me photos from 30 years ago and I am just bewildered at the ideas and creativity he had back then ,, just blows me away..
All the best for the Holidays...

[Tony James]

Well said Tony,,there are so many fine hood makers out there and I agree 30 years ago who knows?,,, but to me that tells you how advanced John was. He shows me photos from 30 years ago and I am just bewildered at the ideas and creativity he had back then ,, just blows me away..
All the best for the Holidays...

Hi Ken,

I've just been looking at a couple of hoods made in 1977 by Gene Johnson, and making a mental comparison between them and what we had available here (UK) at that time. I suppose Martin Jones was amongst the most recognised UK hoodmakers (with the blocked hoods still very 'Mollenesque' at that time), but most falconers did as I did and made their own Anglo-Indian hoods. It was a few years before we started to catch up.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[SakerJack]

Hi Ken,

I've just been looking at a couple of hoods made in 1977 by Gene Johnson, and making a mental comparison between them and what we had available here (UK) at that time. I suppose Martin Jones was amongst the most recognised UK hoodmakers (with the blocked hoods still very 'Mollenesque' at that time), but most falconers did as I did and made their own Anglo-Indian hoods. It was a few years before we started to catch up.

Best wishes,

Tony.

Hello Tony,
I have three of Gene's hoods, one of every style he makes nice hoods, Gene was one of the pioneers in American Hood making along with John Moran, Brian McDonald, Minard Stevens and others. Gene has started making hoods again and can be purchased on e-bay.
Tony I find it interesting how the hood makers (in the 70's and even now) in the Uk and Europe and the ones in America both making fine hoods went in different directions in both style and looks for lack of a better word..
I have not seen Martin's hoods just a few pictures, they look very good..

[Pirate Of Penzance]

martins hoods are all now made on pineo blocks doug traded for a grouse hawking holiday in the late 80s i think prior to that the hoods where made on old mollen blocks from glasier and kerry griffis made i have several sizes glasier gave me in the early 1980s , they make good hoods but i have much finer examples with better symetry around the the 70s martin made nearly all glasiers hoods as he worked for him i have unused glasier hoods if you want some pictures from the 1960s, regards

[SakerJack]

martins hoods are all now made on pineo blocks doug traded for a grouse hawking holiday in the late 80s i think prior to that the hoods where made on old mollen blocks from glasier and kerry griffis made i have several sizes glasier gave me in the early 1980s , they make good hoods but i have much finer examples with better symetry around the the 70s martin made nearly all glasiers hoods as he worked for him i have unused glasier hoods if you want some pictures from the 1960s, regards

Pirate would love to see some pictures..

[FalconGriff]

martins hoods are all now made on pineo blocks doug traded for a grouse hawking holiday in the late 80s i think prior to that the hoods where made on old mollen blocks from glasier and kerry griffis made i have several sizes glasier gave me in the early 1980s , they make good hoods but i have much finer examples with better symetry around the the 70s martin made nearly all glasiers hoods as he worked for him i have unused glasier hoods if you want some pictures from the 1960s, regards

You are absolutely correct in that the Galzier blocks were not symmetrical. When I copied them I was well aware of that but copied them as they were rather than try and put them "right". (note Kerry is spelt Ceri, I'm Welsh not Irish!) Again some of the nicest hoods I have owned were made from Pineo blocks unfortunately they were used hard and I no longer have them. Hint Hint!!

[Pirate Of Penzance]

o i forgot the jonson hoods i have i fit realy well on old stoddards blocks , i have spoken to a lot of hood makers who swear they make there own blocks as a hood archyologist i can tell you there s some bs talked by quite big hood makers ,few are better than todays makers if they are ohnest , moran is great but he knows his own limitations , but he still trys to improve the fit the art side is pure choice to the buyer, johnson is a kind and freindly guy whos wife has agreat sence of humour there current service is fast there old service perhaps wasnot though thats how to create demand ha ha perhaps thats it

[SakerJack]

o i forgot the jonson hoods i have i fit realy well on old stoddards blocks , i have spoken to a lot of hood makers who swear they make there own blocks as a hood archyologist i can tell you there s some bs talked by quite big hood makers ,few are better than todays makers if they are ohnest , moran is great but he knows his own limitations , but he still trys to improve the fit the art side is pure choice to the buyer, johnson is a kind and freindly guy whos wife has agreat sence of humour there current service is fast there old service perhaps wasnot though thats how to create demand ha ha perhaps thats it

I trade e-mails with Gene,, he is an actor now for a local group,, plays Buffalo Bill brilliantly,, I am a big fan of his hoods.. I also call Ron Rollins frequently in fact talked to him Christmas Day, I have 7 hoods coming from him for my collection,, the hoods he is making now are simply incredible!! Some of the finest being made today..Or at least from what I have seen.
Thanks Pirate,

[Tony James]

Hello Tony,
I have three of Gene's hoods, one of every style he makes nice hoods, Gene was one of the pioneers in American Hood making along with John Moran, Brian McDonald, Minard Stevens and others. Gene has started making hoods again and can be purchased on e-bay.
Tony I find it interesting how the hood makers (in the 70's and even now) in the Uk and Europe and the ones in America both making fine hoods went in different directions in both style and looks for lack of a better word..
I have not seen Martin's hoods just a few pictures, they look very good..

Hi Ken,

the evolution of hoods, ancient and modern, interests me, and the divergance you write of is really just an expression of the different cultures we live in.

My 'Pirate' friend has a much better understanding of the development of the various blocks and patterns for them, but it seems to be that the age old practice of 'borrowing' from the best available is alive and well --- and I think what was initially borrowed from Europe by US hoodmakers was refined and improved upon until we simply had to borrow some elements of it back:yawinkle:.

Hoods have always been both practical tools as well as works of art, and in practical terms I don't think there have ever been better hoods than those available to the modern falconer.
And as works of art, I suppose it's all down to taste. Some of the presentation hoods made for European nobility demonstrated a combination of skills that no single person is likely to posess, and were simply incredible works of art --- but they were of their time and would have very limited appeal now. Even the traditional feathered plume is largely considered outdated now.

Today's falconers expect everything in the same package, fit, functionality, durability, beauty, and all at relatively low cost --- and it's available to us!
Who, even in the 70's, would have imagined that well fitting hand crafted blocked hoods would have been this easily and cheaply available? I rarely see a 'home made' Anglo-Indian hood in use now.

Were it not for the US influence in recent decades, I suspect the standard of hoodmaking in the UK would not be as high as it currently is, and for that we should all be grateful.

I expect to learn a thing or two as this thread continues. You, Pirate, and others perhaps have a lot of information to share, and it would be nice to see some of it recorded before it is lost --- I'd love to think that at some point an historical record of hoods and other falconry furniture will be published (not a best seller perhaps, but wouldn't it be interesting).

Best wishes,

Tony.

[Steve Rose]

Hi Ken,

the evolution of hoods, ancient and modern, interests me, and the divergance you write of is really just an expression of the different cultures we live in.

My 'Pirate' friend has a much better understanding of the development of the various blocks and patterns for them, but it seems to be that the age old practice of 'borrowing' from the best available is alive and well --- and I think what was initially borrowed from Europe by US hoodmakers was refined and improved upon until we simply had to borrow some elements of it back:yawinkle:.

Hoods have always been both practical tools as well as works of art, and in practical terms I don't think there have ever been better hoods than those available to the modern falconer.
And as works of art, I suppose it's all down to taste. Some of the presentation hoods made for European nobility demonstrated a combination of skills that no single person is likely to posess, and were simply incredible works of art --- but they were of their time and would have very limited appeal now. Even the traditional feathered plume is largely considered outdated now.

Today's falconers expect everything in the same package, fit, functionality, durability, beauty, and all at relatively low cost --- and it's available to us!
Who, even in the 70's, would have imagined that well fitting hand crafted blocked hoods would have been this easily and cheaply available? I rarely see a 'home made' Anglo-Indian hood in use now.

Were it not for the US influence in recent decades, I suspect the standard of hoodmaking in the UK would not be as high as it currently is, and for that we should all be grateful.

I expect to learn a thing or two as this thread continues. You, Pirate, and others perhaps have a lot of information to share, and it would be nice to see some of it recorded before it is lost --- I'd love to think that at some point an historical record of hoods and other falconry furniture will be published (not a best seller perhaps, but wouldn't it be interesting).

Best wishes,

Tony.
some can and some can't:supz:
steve

[Tony James]

some can and some can't:supz:
steve

You might have to elaborate on that Steve:lol:

[Tierfalc]

For those interested in John Moran's work, an exhibition of over 150 of his hoods will be shown at the Archives of Falconry in March 2009. The hoods will range from some of his earliest utilitarian models to his highly artistic, beautifully hand painted creations. We are trying to lure John himself there for a talk about them. I am sure we will have a page or two of photos on the Archives website for those who can't make the journey to Boise, Idaho. Regards, Peter Devers

[SakerJack]

Hi Ken,

the evolution of hoods, ancient and modern, interests me, and the divergance you write of is really just an expression of the different cultures we live in.

My 'Pirate' friend has a much better understanding of the development of the various blocks and patterns for them, but it seems to be that the age old practice of 'borrowing' from the best available is alive and well --- and I think what was initially borrowed from Europe by US hoodmakers was refined and improved upon until we simply had to borrow some elements of it back:yawinkle:.

Hoods have always been both practical tools as well as works of art, and in practical terms I don't think there have ever been better hoods than those available to the modern falconer.
And as works of art, I suppose it's all down to taste. Some of the presentation hoods made for European nobility demonstrated a combination of skills that no single person is likely to posess, and were simply incredible works of art --- but they were of their time and would have very limited appeal now. Even the traditional feathered plume is largely considered outdated now.

Today's falconers expect everything in the same package, fit, functionality, durability, beauty, and all at relatively low cost --- and it's available to us!
Who, even in the 70's, would have imagined that well fitting hand crafted blocked hoods would have been this easily and cheaply available? I rarely see a 'home made' Anglo-Indian hood in use now.

Were it not for the US influence in recent decades, I suspect the standard of hoodmaking in the UK would not be as high as it currently is, and for that we should all be grateful.

I expect to learn a thing or two as this thread continues. You, Pirate, and others perhaps have a lot of information to share, and it would be nice to see some of it recorded before it is lost --- I'd love to think that at some point an historical record of hoods and other falconry furniture will be published (not a best seller perhaps, but wouldn't it be interesting).

Best wishes,

Tony.

Hello Tony,, I was going to thank you for your post but it appears the Thank you button has dissapeared,,
Anyway ,,I have ben chatting with Pirate today,, it was most interesting..I think we hoodmakers over here were most dependent on the "Fathers of hoodmaking" for a great many years, in fact I sent Pirate an article from the early 80's that tell how blocks etc evolved in the US and who were involved,, Truly a great read.. It then appeared that the hood makers (as you mention) in the US soon caught up to and surpassed the European hood makers.
Surpassed meaning perhaps not better but with many more innovations that were say not the norm and were not traditional? Not sure how many know all the great hood makers and how they evolved and not sure how many are even interested,, But I for one am, and it appears there are some, yourself and Pirate included
Jim Nelson's book that is almost ready for printing will certainly be a "Great tell All"..
In many old articles I read now it is great to hear how others recognised previous hood makers and even thanked them for ideas, inspirations etc, instead of now where many "Claim their ideas as theirs". What a "Crock"!
I often speak to John Moran, Jim Nelson, Jack Stoddart and many others.. about this and they all agreed on one thing...
"There is nothing out there in the hood making world that wasn't done say 20-30 years ago".
I add ,,anyone who thinks they are doing something new is is Full of.......
They back then were the legends,, no matter the country.....

[Hatchero]

i thought that i would post a few pics of some of my Moran hoods. I am not a hood collector so all my hoods have usually been on many birds and i am a serial hood abuser to make matters worse. the hood in the first picture are a group that runs from a female Gyr to a jack merlin and a few in between. the second picture is a ventilated model. the third is the inside of one john gave me for my birthday some years ago. the fourth is a carved one he made for christmas. i will follow with a post of some hoods made by friends of johns that are somewhat influenced by john's style.
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20017.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20020.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20018.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20023.jpg

[SakerJack]

HatchHero,, Many thanks for sharing!!

[SakerJack]

HHero,, when did John make you the "Ventilated" Hood,, I have seen many hood makers do it and say "New"..

[SakerJack]

John did say I was the first to put " Strippers" on a hood though!! LOL

[Tony James]

For those interested in John Moran's work, an exhibition of over 150 of his hoods will be shown at the Archives of Falconry in March 2009. The hoods will range from some of his earliest utilitarian models to his highly artistic, beautifully hand painted creations. We are trying to lure John himself there for a talk about them. I am sure we will have a page or two of photos on the Archives website for those who can't make the journey to Boise, Idaho. Regards, Peter Devers

Hi Peter,

thanks for that. As you know, I'm not particularly well educated regards US hoodmakers, but I look forward to seeing and learning more --- well done the Archives.

I hope you had a good Chistmas,

best wishes,

Tony.

[Hatchero]

these hoods are made by Pete Watzky of Blackfoot Idaho. Pete concentrates on making merlin hoods that fit and are light weight. John and Pete are old friends, John helped pete a lot and pete helped john with blocks for merlin hoods. pete built the blocks by hand using merlin skulls that were built up with clay and then molded. i have never found anyone that can make a merlin hood that is tolerated by a merlin so well and yet holds up over many birds. notice the dense stitching, the leather is kangaroo.
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20024.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20027.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20030.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20031.jpg

[Hatchero]

these are hoods made by Art Tawatari and Dave Wadsworth all good friends of Morans. John showed them how to get it done and you can sure see johns influence. the carved hoods are made by Dave the more plain ones by Art. they are all well used and still used on my birds.
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20032.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20033.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/DSC00011.JPG

[SakerJack]

For those interested in John Moran's work, an exhibition of over 150 of his hoods will be shown at the Archives of Falconry in March 2009. The hoods will range from some of his earliest utilitarian models to his highly artistic, beautifully hand painted creations. We are trying to lure John himself there for a talk about them. I am sure we will have a page or two of photos on the Archives website for those who can't make the journey to Boise, Idaho. Regards, Peter Devers

Thank you Peter as well, I spoke to John about the exhibit,, I do hope to make it there,, Keep the pictures coming HHero,, great looking hoods,,

[Tony James]

Hello Tony,, I was going to thank you for your post but it appears the Thank you button has dissapeared,,
Anyway ,,I have ben chatting with Pirate today,, it was most interesting..I think we hoodmakers over here were most dependent on the "Fathers of hoodmaking" for a great many years, in fact I sent Pirate an article from the early 80's that tell how blocks etc evolved in the US and who were involved,, Truly a great read.. It then appeared that the hood makers (as you mention) in the US soon caught up to and surpassed the European hood makers.
Surpassed meaning perhaps not better but with many more innovations that were say not the norm and were not traditional? Not sure how many know all the great hood makers and how they evolved and not sure how many are even interested,, But I for one am, and it appears there are some, yourself and Pirate included
Jim Nelson's book that is almost ready for printing will certainly be a "Great tell All"..
In many old articles I read now it is great to hear how others recognised previous hood makers and even thanked them for ideas, inspirations etc, instead of now where many "Claim their ideas as theirs". What a "Crock"!
I often speak to John Moran, Jim Nelson, Jack Stoddart and many others.. about this and they all agreed on one thing...
"There is nothing out there in the hood making world that wasn't done say 20-30 years ago".
I add ,,anyone who thinks they are doing something new is is Full of.......
They back then were the legends,, no matter the country.....

Hi Ken,

do you know if Jim Nelson's book relates to early hoods as well as more recent ones? If so I'd love to speak with him before it goes to print.

Regards new (present day) hood making innovation, there is little left to do bar emulate. As you say, most of it has been done before (as with most things falconry) --- mind you, the perfect brace material has still to be found, as although the modern gortex brace is superb, it's woven construction allows talons to snag. Food for thought perhaps:yawinkle:.

Many 'new' innovations are only thought to be new because of poor historical knowledge. Even the one piece hoods that are being produced now are nothing new --- some are very good, but not new.

Finally, and I feel I can say this as someone who is fiercly proud of the contribution of European falconers and furniture makers, I think you are being kind with your definition of surpassing. Hoodmakers in the US took the making of blocked hoods to levels that had never been seen before, not just in terms of innovation or decoration, but where it really mattered in terms of fit and practicality. All of us now flying falcons have benefited from that leap, and irrespective of whether falconers are interested in the history, they should appreciate the effect it has had on their falconry.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[Hatchero]

HHero,, when did John make you the "Ventilated" Hood,, I have seen many hood makers do it and say "New"..

yes john made those hoods. they do not have a date in them but i am guessing they are early 90's or late 80's for someone to call them new they would have to have been before this date, at least. these hoods have been worn by a bunch of my peregrines because they fit so well and don't build up excess moisture when the bird is getting a lot of hood time.
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/DSC00014.JPG

[Hatchero]

by the way, if you have an interest in early makers of high quality hoods, take a look at some of the hoods made by Bob Martin in the late 60's. they were absolutely unbelievably gorgeous--i mean perfect, and some of them even fit. i remember i would buy half dozen at a time for $20.00 a piece.
jim

[Tony James]

these are hoods made by Art Tawatari and Dave Wadsworth all good friends of Morans. John showed them how to get it done and you can sure see johns influence. the carved hoods are made by Dave the more plain ones by Art. they are all well used and still used on my birds.
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20032.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/merlin%20033.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/teita/jim/websize/DSC00011.JPG

Hi Jim,

for a non collector you have an enviable collection:lol:.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[SakerJack]

Originally Posted by Hatchero
these are hoods made by Art Tawatari and Dave Wadsworth all good friends of Morans. John showed them how to get it done and you can sure see johns influence. the carved hoods are made by Dave the more plain ones by Art. they are all well used and still used on my birds.


Again thanks HHero,, I traded e-mails awhile back with Dave.. his hoods are beautiful, you can certainly see the Moran influence.
This is what I was talking about in an earlier post,, there are so many quality hood makers that don't even really sell hoods out there commercially,, truly outstanding works..

[SakerJack]

Hi Ken,

do you know if Jim Nelson's book relates to early hoods as well as more recent ones? If so I'd love to speak with him before it goes to print.

Regards new (present day) hood making innovation, there is little left to do bar emulate. As you say, most of it has been done before (as with most things falconry) --- mind you, the perfect brace material has still to be found, as although the modern gortex brace is superb, it's woven construction allows talons to snag. Food for thought perhaps:yawinkle:.

Many 'new' innovations are only thought to be new because of poor historical knowledge. Even the one piece hoods that are being produced now are nothing new --- some are very good, but not new.

Finally, and I feel I can say this as someone who is fiercly proud of the contribution of European falconers and furniture makers, I think you are being kind with your definition of surpassing. Hoodmakers in the US took the making of blocked hoods to levels that had never been seen before, not just in terms of innovation or decoration, but where it really mattered in terms of fit and practicality. All of us now flying falcons have benefited from that leap, and irrespective of whether falconers are interested in the history, they should appreciate the effect it has had on their falconry.

Best wishes,

Tony.

Tony yes Jim's book looks into the history of the hood, blocks and the hood makers behind their works.