Oysters and Oilskins

The Pioneer Clothing Project

Foreword by Libby Purves

£9.99

I’ve been an admirer of the Pioneer Sailing Trust since my first visit when I listened to a 14-year old telling me how to dredge for oysters under sail – from his own direct experience.  The authors of this book, (volunteers with the Trust and members of the local U3A), have researched what East Coast fishermen would have worn in the late C19th, when Pioneer and her sister smacks went deep-sea oyster dredging across from Essex to the Friesian coasts in winter. They’ve collected patterns for ‘ganseys’, ‘slops and doppers’, vests, under-drawers and trousers (with ‘full-fall front’), sea boots and stockings, kerchiefs and wristlets – and have made them from authentic materials. I’m relieved that they’re only intended to be worn for educational purposes.