Oil Skins Collection

Ramsgate - The crew of the Motor Lifeboat Prudential Back row Thomas William Read ( coxswain ) Howard Light, William Cook Front Row, William Little, William Vernon and Joseph Read

Lifeboat man - England
The wise, weather-beaten face (in profile) of an English Lifeboat man from Bognor Regis

Fisherman with their Catch, c. 1890 (b / w photo)
498467 Fisherman with their Catch, c.1890 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: St Ives, Cornwall.); English, out of copyright

The sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea on the Yorkshire coast. October 1922

The sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea on the Yorkshire coast. October 1922

Lifeboats medallists receive awards. Standing left to right... Coxswain in Thomas Richards, Bowman William Thomas and motor mechanic William Rogers. March 1954 P000031

Fisherman in oilskins 1911

Passengers placed in lifeboats from a sinking ship
Sailor handing a child into a lifeboat during a storm at sea, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Simplon - Switzerland - The Miner
A Miner from the Simplon region of Switzerland. It looks as if he is about to lead a guided tour of a tunnel system cut through glacial ice. Date: circa 1905

French Fisherman with large net
Fisherman from Treport, France, carrying a very large hand net

Shrimp Fishermen on mules - France
Shrimp Fishermen on mules - Brittany, France

Newfoundland Banks / Cod
Cod fishing on the Newfoundland Banks

Sea Serpent Rears Up
An ugly winged serpent of the sea rears up to confront a startled sailor who lets go the ships wheel in fright

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"Oil Skins: A Testament of Courage and Resilience" In the coastal town of Ramsgate, England, the crew of the Motor Lifeboat Prudential stands tall in their oil skins. These brave lifeboat men are ready to face any storm that comes their way, dedicated to saving lives at sea. Captured in a captivating black and white photograph from around 1890, local fishermen proudly display their bountiful catch while donning their trusty oilskins. These protective garments shield them from the relentless elements as they venture out into treacherous waters day after day. Further up north on the rugged Yorkshire coast lies an engineering marvel - the sail railway between Spurn Head and Kilnsea. Here, determined workers clad in oilskins battle against wind and tide to ensure safe passage for ships navigating these perilous waters. Honoring bravery and heroism, medallists from lifeboat crews gather together to receive well-deserved awards. Standing side by side with pride shining through their eyes, these individuals exemplify what it means to be a true lifesaver. Oilskins not only serve those who risk their lives at sea but also protect passengers during times of crisis. As depicted in heart-wrenching scenes captured during shipwrecks, these sturdy garments provide comfort amidst chaos as people are placed into lifeboats with hope for survival. Venturing beyond shores, even land-based professions require protection against nature's forces. In Simplon, Switzerland, a miner emerges from deep underground wearing his trusted oilskin attire – a symbol of resilience against harsh conditions faced beneath the surface. From France's picturesque fishing villages to its sandy shores where shrimp fishermen ride atop mules carrying large nets; every corner reveals hardworking souls enveloped in durable oilskins. Their dedication ensures fresh catches grace our tables while reminding us of humanity's connection with nature's bounty. Lastly but certainly not least is Poole Lifeboat Crew, united in their mission to safeguard lives along the coast.