Capstan Collection

Hauling boats up the slipway using the old capstan, Porthgwarra, Cornwall. Early 1900s
A view of three men, with their dog, using the old capstan to haul boats up the steep slipway. Boats include PZ223. Photographer: Unknown

Young boys outside corner shop off-licence, Salford
Young boys outside a corner shop off-licence in Salford, Manchester. Date: circa 1977

The British Navy, 1837-1897, (early 20th century). Artist: TS Crowther
The British Navy, 1837-1897, (early 20th century). A print from a supplement of The Army and Navy Gazette, (London)

Barman standing by well-stocked bar
Barman standing by a well-stocked bar. The cash register displays an advertisement for Bass & Co Barley Wine. Packets of Capstan cigarettes are on display below. Date: circa 1910

Scene of an accident in an Islington street, London
Scene of an accident in an Islington street, North London, with a trolley bus passing by

Corner Shop, Snack Bar, Foyles Library, Walton, Essex
The Corner Shop at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, which sold tobacco, confectionery and all things for an enjoyable day on the beach

A Capstan, 1850
3330557 A Capstan, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving of a Capstan, a broad revolving cylinder with a vertical axis used for winding a rope or cable, powered by a motor or pushed round by levers)

Testing the strength of rope, 1755
3479066 Testing the strength of rope, 1755; (add.info.: Testing the strength of rope. The labourers turn the capstan while the (natural) philosophers adjust the steelyard (left)

A Capstan, 1850
3330558 A Capstan, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving of a Capstan, a broad revolving cylinder with a vertical axis used for winding a rope or cable, powered by a motor or pushed round by levers)

Beachscape with capstans, 1840-1865. Creator: Constant Troyon
Beachscape with capstans, 1840-1865

The War in America: refugees from southern cities on the Mississippi, from a sketch by our... 1862. Creator: Unknown
The War in America: refugees from southern cities on the Mississippi, from a sketch by our special artist, 1862. Our special Artist and Correspondent...writes as follows

Overview of the bar mill at the Brightside Foundry, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, 1964. View showing the capstan in the foreground

Looking up the slipway to the capstan, Porthgwarra, Cornwall. Early 1900s
A view of fishing boats on the slipway looking towards the capstan in working order. The semi-natural caves can be seen to the right. Photographer: Possibly Herbert Hughes

Advert, Capstan Cigarettes - they're blended better

Children palying on quayside capstan

Selection of Wills Tobacco and Cigar Packets
A selection of Wills Tobacco and Cigar Packets, Packaging and Tins Date: 20th century

Selection of Wills Cigarette Packets
A selection of Wills Cigarette Packets Date: 20th century

RMS Titanic - gold stud recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett
RMS Titanic - from inventory of items recovered from bodies by cable ship Mackay-Bennett - a late Victorian 18 carat yellow gold round collar or dress stud

The Capstan (engraving)
6010779 The Capstan (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Capstan. Illustration for The Leisure Hour (1891).); © Look and Learn

Interior of "The Great Britain"Steam-Ship (engraving)
1095365 Interior of " The Great Britain" Steam-Ship (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Interior of " The Great Britain" Steam-Ship)

Economy of a Man-of-War (engraving)
1101529 Economy of a Man-of-War (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Economy of a Man-of-War)

Britannia Bridge (engraving)
1618220 Britannia Bridge (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Britannia Bridge. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 30 June 1849)

Set-up on capstan lathe showing piloted tool holders (b / w photo)
6004159 Set-up on capstan lathe showing piloted tool holders (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Set-up on capstan lathe showing piloted tool holders)

Horse-powered machine for lifting building materials, from
STC255918 Horse-powered machine for lifting building materials, from Nuovo Teatro di Macchine ed Edifici, pub. 1607 (woodcut) by Zonca, Vittorio (1568-1602); Private Collection; (add.info.: Pub)

Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester. Date: 20th century

Hovelling at Deal (engraving)
1046603 Hovelling at Deal (engraving) by Wright, Henry Charles Seppings (1850-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hovelling at Deal)

King George at the Helm of His Yacht Britannia, 1920s-30s (b / w photo)
STC360930 King George at the Helm of His Yacht Britannia, 1920s-30s (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: from George V and Edward VIII)

Off to Ashantee, Our Soldiers and Sailors manning the Capstan (engraving)
1049165 Off to Ashantee, Our Soldiers and Sailors manning the Capstan (engraving) by Small, William (1843-1931) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Off to Ashantee)

Every Little Helps (colour litho)
981860 Every Little Helps (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Every Little Helps.); Look and Learn / Elgar Collection

Castle Bailey Street in Swansea April 1940. A bailey sticking out amongst roof tops is all that remains of Swansea Castle

Aerial view of people shopping for Christmas presents at Petticoat Lane market. 18th December 1960. London Petticoat lane

Swedish navy cadets raising the anchor aboard the Sorlandet seen here in the English channel June 1952

The "Three Degrees"who will tpp the bill at a Mountbatten Gold Evening to
The " Three Degrees" who will tpp the bill at a Mountbatten Gold Evening to Drury Lane seen here aboard HMS Belfast. Circa 1979 P012510

Aye Aye Captain Sea Scouts from West Kirby seen here aboard Captain Scotts ship the Discovery. June 1952 C2842 - 002

Fisherman Carrying a Sail, 1907. Creator: Joseph Edward Southall
Fisherman Carrying a Sail, 1907

TURNING THE CAPSTAN
A barefoot boy lends a hand with the capstan, helping two fishermen to wind in a fishing vessel onto the beach of a fishing harbour. Date: circa 1900

The Capstan, 1926. Artist: Arthur Briscoe
The Capstan, 1926. From The Studio Volume 91. [London Offices of the Studio, London, 1926]

Crushing gold bearing ores in mills similar in principle to flour mills, 1556. At bottom left goats in a treadmill produce horizontal power which is transferred to a mill (A)

St Ives Railway Station, St Ives, Cornwall. Early 1900s
St Ives Railway Station from Porthminster beach. A fleet of seine boats are drawn up on the beach below. Photographer: Unknown

The Harbour, Penzance, Cornwall. 1905-1910
Ships in the floating dock seen from Wharf Road looking over the northern arm of the dock. Photographer: Arthur Philp

Built as German three-masted steel barque "Penang", sunk by u-Boat U 140 in 1940
Built as German three-masted steel barque " Penang", sunk by u-Boat U 140 in 1940. Built in 1905 - Rickmers Reismuhlen Rhederi & Schiffsbau AG, Bremerhaven

High Street, Highgate Village, North London, with shops and a tram. Date: circa 1910s

Capstan Navy Cut Cigarettes advertisement 1950

Soldiers and Sailors Manning a Capstan, 1873
Engraving showing Royal Navy sailors and soldiers from a Scottish Regiment manning a capstan, whilst a Scotch piper stands on the capstan to give them some music

Sydney, Australia
Traffic and trams during rush hour at Kings Cross, Sydney, Australia. Date: 1950s

Advert / Capstan Cigs 1930
Capstan cigarettes - on the beach Date: 1930

Stephen Decatur (Chappel
STEPHEN DECATUR American Naval Officer Date: 1799 - 1820

Scenery of Devon - Ilfracombe from Capstan Hall
Victorian Glass Lantern Slide from a series on the scenery of Devon - Ilfracombe from Capstan Hall. Part of box 204 Boswell Collection; listed, Boswell Collection Date: circa 1890s

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"Unveiling the Timeless Power of Capstan: A Journey Through History" Step back in time and explore the captivating world of capstans, a symbol of strength and ingenuity. From its origins in the British Navy during 1837-1897 to its prevalence in the early 20th century, artist TS Crowther beautifully captures this iconic device's significance. Transport yourself to an Islington street in London, where chaos unfolds as an accident scene unravels. Amidst the commotion, a barman stands confidently by a well-stocked bar, ready to serve patrons seeking solace from their daily woes. Venturing further into Walton, Essex, you'll stumble upon a charming corner shop and snack bar. Nearby lies Foyles Library—a haven for book lovers seeking literary adventures. And there it is—an enticing advert showcasing Capstan Cigarettes—enticing smokers with promises of satisfaction. But capstans aren't just confined to urban landscapes; they find their place even amidst nature's beauty. Picture children gleefully playing on quayside capstans while boats sway gently nearby—a testament to how these devices effortlessly blend functionality with joyous moments. Delve deeper into tobacco culture as you feast your eyes on an array of Wills Tobacco and Cigar Packets alongside Wills Cigarette Packets—a collector's dream come true. These timeless treasures offer glimpses into past eras when smoking was not merely a habit but an art form. The tragic tale of RMS Titanic comes alive as we discover that even amidst disaster, capstan-related artifacts hold immense value. A gold stud recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett serves as a poignant reminder of both human resilience and fragility. Fast forward to Sheffield's Brightside Foundry in South Yorkshire during 1964—the industrial heartland pulsates with life as the bar mill operates tirelessly under watchful eyes. The rhythmic motion of the capstan symbolizes progress and innovation, shaping a nation's destiny.