OYSTERS AND OILSKINS
THE CLOTHING OF PIONEER CREWMEN IN LATE VICTORIAN TIMES
In 2013 the Trust worked with the local University of the Third Age (U3A) to recreate the clothing that the crew of Pioneer would have worn in late Victorian times. The Trust was interested in finding out what kind of kit protected the oystermen while out dredging in the North Sea during the winter months. The idea was that the clothing would be recreated as authentically as possible using the materials, methods and patterns of the time.
The book OYSTERS AND OILSKINS, published in 2018, provides:
- an account of the working lives of the crew
- some information about the social and economic circumstances of the time
- a description of each item from underwear to weather proof outer layers
- a detailed account of how the various items of clothing were reproduced
- and lots of archive and contemporary photographs
All proceeds to Pioneer Sailing Trust
SOME OF THE RECREATED ITEMS OF CLOTHING MODELLED ONBOARD PIONEER
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Undershirt, flap front trousers & held up by braces
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Tanned slop, knitted helmet & steering gloves
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Proofed dopper & so’wester
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Gansey, cheesecutter cap & sea boots
