Measuring Tape Collection

Old people playing bowls at Penzance in West Cornwall, UK
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

Measuring Substitutes for the Army of Reserve, 1815. 1815. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Measuring Substitutes for the Army of Reserve, 1815

Old people playing bowls at Penzance in West Cornwall, UK
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

A man measuring the depth of insulation in a house loft or roof space. Insulating your loft can save a significant
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

Victoria Glinka

Class in outdoor geometry, 1904. Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston
Class in outdoor geometry, 1904

Students of 8th Division school using rulers, yardsticks, and measuring... Washington, DC, (1899?)
Students of 8th Division school using rulers, yardsticks, and measuring tape in school yard, Washington, D.C. (1899?)

Physical examination for U. S. army, 1917 (b/w photo)
5053977 Physical examination for U.S. army, 1917 (b/w photo) by Harris & Ewing (1905-45); Private Collection; (add.info.: The United States declared war on Germany in April 1917)

Reclame Maat Costumes, poster advertising Kreymborgs Dutch tailors
STC398712 Reclame Maat Costumes, poster advertising Kreymborgs Dutch tailors, 1914 (colour litho) by Roessel, A. von (1883-1947); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; Dutch, out of copyright

The giant
Victoria Glinka

Tailor, busy at work in his workshop, 18th March 1947

15-year-old Robert Lane of Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster tried to join the Royal Navy and was told to grow 10 inches and put on a stone

A Little Bigger, May 18, 1791. May 18, 1791. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
A Little Bigger, May 18, 1791

Measuring Substitutes for the Army of Reserve, 1805. 1805. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Measuring Substitutes for the Army of Reserve, 1805

A Little Bigger, May 18, 1819. May 18, 1819. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
A Little Bigger, May 18, 1819

Stock, from Worlds Dudes series (N31) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, 1888

The Ladys Tailor (King Henry IV - Second Part), c1870. Artist: Charles W Sharpe
The Ladys Tailor (King Henry IV - Second Part), c1870. From The Works of Shakspere, by Charles Knight. [Virtue & Co. Limited, London, c1870]

Bust measurement
MODEL RELEASED. Bust measurement

Pregnant woman measuring her abdomen
MODEL RELEASED. Pregnant woman measuring her abdomen. She is eight months (32 weeks) pregnant

Weightloss, conceptual image. Computer artwork of an apple with a measuring tape wrapped around it, representing weightloss through healthy eating

Dieting, conceptual image. Computer artwork of a fork with a measuring tape wrapped around it, representing weightloss through dieting

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"Measuring Tape: A Tool of Precision and Utility" From the serene greens of Penzance in West Cornwall, UK, to the bustling streets of a tailor's workshop in 18th-century England, the measuring tape has been an indispensable companion throughout history. In a picturesque scene at Penzance, old people engage in a friendly game of bowls, their skilled hands guided by precise measurements. Just like these seasoned bowlers, a man measures the depth of insulation in a house loft or roof space - harnessing its power to save energy and combat climate change. Traveling back in time to 1917, we witness physical examinations for the U. S. Army where every inch matters. The measuring tape becomes an emblem of strength and readiness as soldiers prepare themselves for duty. Stepping into Kreymborgs Dutch tailors' world through Reclame Maat Costumes poster advertising reveals how this humble tool plays an essential role in creating impeccable garments that fit like second skin. The artistry continues with Thomas Rowlandson's depictions from different eras - "Measuring Substitutes for the Army of Reserve" showcases precision even amidst chaos while "A Little Bigger" humorously captures society's obsession with size on May 18th across different years. Taking us further into history is Allen & Ginter Cigarettes' World Dudes series (N31), featuring stock characters measured against societal expectations - reminding us that appearances can be deceiving. Finally, we find ourselves immersed in Charles W Sharpe's artwork depicting "The Ladys Tailor. " Here, we witness a craftsman meticulously working away at his trade – his measuring tape serving as both guide and inspiration. Whether it be capturing moments on green fields or ensuring perfect fits within workshops spanning centuries; whether aiding armies or shaping fashion trends; one thing remains constant – the measuring tape stands tall as an instrument embodying precision and utility throughout the ages.