Oilskin Collection

Stationery, Charles Ware & Sons, Sails, Tents and Blinds, High Street, Hull, Yorkshire. 1939

Oil skin jacket, made of bladder, 1929. Creator: Unknown
Oil skin jacket, made of bladder, 1929.

Long-line fishing in the North Sea, Hauling the lines, 1886. Creator: Unknown
Long-line fishing in the North Sea, Hauling the lines, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

Long-line fishing in the North Sea, on deck baiting the lines, 1886. Creator: Unknown
Long-line fishing in the North Sea, on deck baiting the lines, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

Deal Boatmen, Kent. Date: circa 1903

Men wearing heavy oilskin protective clothing would go into the tunnels under the streets of London to unblock the sewers with a combing method. Date: 1881

The Christmas of the sailors, far and alone across the oceans (colour litho)
2798850 The Christmas of the sailors, far and alone across the oceans (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Christmas of sailors)

Sailor, Dieppe (b / w photo)
3096184 Sailor, Dieppe (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sailor, Dieppe. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Flushing the sewers 1860s
With the population expanding and dumping coursing blockages below the depths of London, men wearing heavy oilskin protective clothing would go into the tunnels to unblock the sewers with a combing

Skagen Fisherman
BON40326 Skagen Fisherman by Ancher, Michael Peter (1849-1927); Private Collection; Photo eBonhams, London, UK; Danish, out of copyright

Eight Bells, 1887. Creator: Winslow Homer
Eight Bells, 1887

Man with Mustache Wearing Oilskin Hat, 1854-55. Creator: Edward M. Tyler
Man with Mustache Wearing Oilskin Hat, 1854-55

Plasterer in Oilskin Hat, 1850s-60s. Creator: Unknown
Plasterer in Oilskin Hat, 1850s-60s

Deep Sea Fishing, 1864. Artist: James Clarke Hook
Deep Sea Fishing, 1864. Cornish fishermen fishing from a St Ives boat

Sewermen going below, London, c1903 (1903). The modern London sewerage system was developed during the late 19th century. From Living London, Vol. II, by George R. Sims

When the Boats are Away, 1903. Artist: Walter Langley
When the Boats are Away, 1903

Thomas Henry Huxley, English biologist, 1881. Artist: Edward Linley Sambourne
Thomas Henry Huxley, English biologist, 1881. Huxley (1825-1895) was Inspector of Fisheries from 1881-1885. He was a prominent supporter of Darwin in the controversy that raged over his theory of

Advert for Turnbull and Asser comforts for soldiers 1915
For the comfort of our soldiers. Waterproof oilskin shell waistcoat, khaki riding shirt for mounted officers and chamois leather trousers. 1915

Advert for Turnbull and Asser poncho and ground-sheet 1915
Oilskin combination waterproof poncho and ground-sheet, for dealing with the awful wet and rainy conditions at the front. Date: 1915

Fisherman in oilskins 1911

Blitz in London -- Chiesmans, Lewisham High Street, WW2
Blitz in London -- a firefighter, wearing an oilskin coat, damping down the aftermath of an incendiary bomb attack on Chiesmans depository in Lewisham High Street, SE13

ALASKA: ESKIMO JACKET. Eskimo oilskin jacket made of animal bladder from Alaska, c1929

Frank Hurley, c. 1914 (b / w photo)
XJF430954 Frank Hurley, c.1914 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Frank Hurley (1885-1962)

Thomas Crean, from South With Scott by E. R. G. R. Evans (b / w photo)
KW403221 Thomas Crean, from South With Scott by E.R.G.R. Evans (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Mariner (oil on canvas)
BAL34358 The Mariner (oil on canvas) by Nicol, Erskine (1825-1904); Josef Mensing Gallery, Hamm-Rhynern, Germany; Scottish, out of copyright

Cornish Boatman sets an amateur fisherman straight
Sarcastic Amateur Fisherman: " Are there any fish to be caught here, my man?" Cornish Boatman: " No Zur; You caught em all the last time as you was here!" Date: circa 1890s

Boy in Rainwear 1930
A small boy is well protected against inclement weather in a long double-breasted waterproof coat, a hat with upturned brim & a pair of Wellington boots

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the bustling streets of London in 1881, brave men donned heavy oilskin protective clothing and ventured into the dark tunnels beneath to tackle a daunting task - unblocking the sewers. With their combing method, these fearless individuals worked tirelessly to ensure smooth drainage for the city's inhabitants. Fast forward to 1915, when Turnbull and Asser introduced their comforts for soldiers during wartime. Their advert showcased sturdy oilskin garments designed to shield soldiers from harsh weather conditions on the battlefield. These reliable companions provided much-needed protection and comfort amidst chaos. Meanwhile, in Deal, Kent, boatmen relied on oilskin attire as they braved rough waters day after day. The resilient fabric kept them dry and warm while navigating treacherous seas, ensuring safe journeys for passengers and cargo alike. Turnbull and Asser continued their commitment to durability with their ponchos and ground-sheets in 1915. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts or those serving in challenging environments, these versatile oilskin accessories offered shelter from rain or wind without compromising mobility. Amidst vast oceans during Christmas time, sailors found solace in each other's company as depicted in a vibrant lithograph artwork. Clad in trusty oilskins that protected them against raging waves and biting winds, they celebrated together despite being far away from home. A timeless black-and-white photograph captured a sailor at Dieppe wearing an iconic oilskin hat adorned with a proud mustache. This image immortalized his resilience amidst unpredictable maritime conditions while highlighting the enduring style of such headgear. Charles Ware & Sons stationery proudly advertised sails, tents, blinds - all crafted using high-quality materials including durable oilcloth fabrics. From seafaring adventures to camping escapades or shielding homes from sunlight; this trusted brand had it covered. Backtracking further into history reveals sewer flushing efforts undertaken during the 1860s where workers clad themselves entirely in protective oilskins before diving deep into the underground labyrinth.