THE TIMELINE
The history of
our archive jackets is both unique and interesting in the evolving story of
Barbour. We’re very proud to be in possession of jackets, which date back from
as early as 1910; each one telling a different story. We frequently delve into
our past; it’s where we find lots of our design inspiration. So take a journey
through our archives and find out all about wax.
1910 - Uncle
Harry’s Coat
The
oldest jacket in Barbour’s archive. Affectionately called ‘Uncle Harry’s’ coat,
it was passed down through many generations of the Macpherson-Fletcher family
before being returned to Barbour. An all purpose double breasted outdoor coat,
it was used to protect the wearer against foul weather in all situations.
1920s - Riding
Cape
A
1920s wax cape used for riding or driving carriages which offered complete
weatherproof protection. The Cape had braces which fastened over the body so it
could be pulled back rather than being taken off completely if the wearer
became too hot.
1936 - International
Motorcycle All-in-one Suit
Developed
specifically for the 1936 International Six Day Trials (ISDT), the
International suit was ergonomically designed with pivot race sleeves to give the
rider greater arm movement. Made in green wax cotton, the International
Motorcycle All in One suit had belted cuffs on the sleeves and legs to make
them wind tight. The short stand on the velvet cotton collar was practical
ensuring that it did not interfere with the rider’s helmet.
1940 - The
Ursula Jacket
Submariner
commander Captain George Philips was so impressed by the weatherproof
protection of his officer’s all in one motorcycling suit that he asked the
Barbour factory in South Shields to make a two piece prototype. The result was
the Ursula jacket and trousers, which became standard issue for submariners
throughout the Second World War.
1951 - Original
Green International Jacket
The
diagonal left chest pocket introduced in 1951, allowed the rider easy access to
maps or time trials cards and remains a distinctive feature of the
International jacket to this day.
1953 - International
Jacket
The
International jacket was adopted as the official uniform of the Vincent Owners
Club. Vincent were known as the “makers of the world’s fastest standard
motorcycles” and to mark this tie up between the two businesses, the
International was produced in a black wax cotton with gold snaps. Black and
gold were the iconic colours of the Vincent Owners Club.
1964 - The
Black Streak
A
popular motorcycle jacket in the 60s, the Black Streak was made from a new and
innovative strong, pliable black PVC material backed throughout with a black
and white fleecy check for warmth. The jacket came with a deep collar,
adjustable studded throat tab, close fitting cuffs to make them windtight and
bellows pockets side pockets.
1980 - The
Bedale
One
of Barbour's signature wax jackets, the Bedale was introduced into the range in
1980. Lightweight, thornproof and short in length it was originally designed by
Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, as an equestrian jacket - the shorter length
was ideal when riding. It has all of Barbour's signature attributes, 100%
weatherproof, two big bellow pockets, a large pull ring two way zip and
corduroy collar. While it continues to be popular amongst people working and
living in the country, more recently, it has become a fashionable choice for
city dwellers who aspire to the country look. Worn by some of the stars of
Glastonbury including the Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen, the Bedale is a
classic Barbour wax jacket that is now as comfortable in the urban jungle as it
is in the country.
1982 - Gamefair
Jacket (Falkland War Customisation)
A
6oz, heavily military, customised weatherproof jacket. Features the original
corduroy collar, dark anti-glare studs for optional hood, press-studded throat
flap and stormfly front. The history of these two jackets is unique and interesting
in the evolving story of Barbour. The uniqueness lies in the customization,
which changed the end use of a country jacket to a jacket ’fit’ for the theatre
of war. Barbour are very proud to be in possession of jackets which were
adapted in our customer service repair and reproof department to the exacting
specifications of a captain in the Parachute Regiment. Pockets, repairs and
strength overlays have been added to the jackets for purely practical purposes.
It is both touching and sobering to see the hand written blood group and
ranking ciphers on the first aid pocket attached to the inside of the coats.
The ‘random’ set-up adds to the aesthetic charm of these jackets, which in
hindsight are ‘beautifully’ designed.
1982 - Durham
Jacket (Falkland War Customisation)
Very
similar to the origins of the Gamefair, the Durham is a 4oz lightweight
military inspired jacket but darker in style, with the same features. The
history of these two jackets is unique and interesting in the evolving story of
Barbour. The uniqueness lies in the customization, which changed the end use of
a country jacket to a jacket ’fit’ for the theatre of war. Barbour are very
proud to be in possession of jackets which were adapted in our customer service
repair and reproof department to the exacting specifications of a captain in
the Parachute Regimen. Pockets, repairs and strength overlays have been added
to the jackets for purely practical purposes. It is both touching and sobering
to see the hand written blood group and ranking ciphers on the first aid pocket
attached to the inside of the coats. The ‘random’ set-up adds to the aesthetic
charm of these jackets, which in hindsight are ‘beautifully’ designed.
