Smacks Collection

Paglesham Regatta- Start of first-class oyster-smacks

William McCann (H1394) built as a Hull fishing smack in 1884 seen here sailing under the Humber bridge with the Westward Ho! (TN54) A Faroese smack also built in 1884. 30th June 1984

Mounts Bay Cornwall Victorian period

Brixham fishing smacks

In the Harbour (colour litho)
7201173 In the Harbour (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: In the Harbour; fishing barges and smacks at the quayside)

Comic postcard, Three people at the seaside - waiting for the smacks Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Two women in the sea - waiting for the smacks. Date: 20th century

Our Fishing Industries, Drift-Net Fishing for Pilchards off Cornwall (engraving)
1624390 Our Fishing Industries, Drift-Net Fishing for Pilchards off Cornwall (engraving) by Craft, Percy Robert (1856-1934); Private Collection; (add.info.: Our Fishing Industries)

A Lowestoft Smacksman (late 19th century)
473309 A Lowestoft Smacksman (late 19th century) by Payne Jennings, John (1843-1926) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Smacksmen, so named after the fishing boats known as smacks)

Boats on New York Bay, USA
Yachts and Fishing Smacks reflected in the waters of New York Bay. Date: circa 1895

Fierce shot blasts Goalkeeper into his own goal
A fearsome shot from an opposing striker smashes into the face of a hapless Goalkeeper, carrying the ball and the keeper back over the line

Fishing Smacks at Billingsgate, London, 1882
Engraving showing some fishing smacks moored beside Billingsgate Fish Market, London, 1882. On the right of the image, some porters appear to be landing the catch from the boats

Fishing Village 1940S
A corner of Mevagissey harbour, a typical Cornish fishing village. Here the crew of one of the smacks are busy baiting the long fishing lines. A well-dressed man watches them

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Smacks, a Nostalgic Journey through Maritime History Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of smacks, as we explore their significance and charm. From the Paglesham Regatta to Mounts Bay Cornwall during the Victorian period, these vessels have left an indelible mark on maritime history. The Brixham fishing they were a common sight along the coastlines, with their distinctive sails billowing against the wind. One such vessel was William McCann (H1394), built as a Hull fishing smack in 1884. Its graceful presence can be witnessed in captivating photographs from that era. In "Our Fishing Industries, " line-fishing for cod is depicted through intricate engravings. The skill and precision required to catch these prized fish are evident, showcasing the importance in sustaining local communities. "In the Harbour" offers a glimpse into bustling coastal life during this period. A vibrant color lithograph captures the essence of daily activities surrounding these magnificent vessels - loading cargo, repairing nets, and preparing for voyages that would bring prosperity or peril. Comic postcards add a touch of humor to our understanding of smacks' influence on seaside culture. Whether it's three people eagerly waiting for their arrival or two women playfully frolicking while anticipating their return, these cards reflect how deeply ingrained they were within coastal communities throughout different eras. Drift-net fishing for pilchards off Cornwall is beautifully portrayed in another engraving from "Our Fishing Industries. " This technique allowed fishermen to capture vast quantities of pilchards using large nets suspended vertically across open water - an impressive display of teamwork and ingenuity aboard sturdy smacks. Lastly, we encounter a Lowestoft Smacksmen from late 19th century England. These hardworking individuals braved treacherous waters day after day to ensure bountiful catches reached marketplaces far and wide.