Objects Database

Fox's Puttees

Accession Number

929.2011.1

Object Name

Fox's Puttees

Created

30/08/2011

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

30/08/2011

Brief Description

Pair of grey woollen Fox's puttees.

Materials

wool

Dimensions

11.5(w) x 272(l) cms

Number Of Objects

1 pair

Inscription Description

"FOX WELLINGTON SOMERSET F.I.P.PATENT 14214 - 1909"

Colour

grey

Maker

Fox Wellington

Object Production Place

Somerset, England

Provenance

Donald Brander who wore these puttees in the 30's was a keen hill walker all his life and his favourite hill was An Teallach which he climbed for the last time when he was 80. He lived to 100 and died in 2006.
In addition to the above we thought a wee history of the manufacturer might be of interest:-
The early woollen industry was developed in areas where sheep were farmed as was the case in Wellington, Somerset where Edward Fox married into the Were family in 1745. His son Thomas Fox, took over the family weaving business and it is claimed that he employed up to 450 people, these people worked initially as part of a cottage industry in and around the area.
Fox Brothers exported their woollen fabrics around the world shipping from the Devonshire port of Topsham. In 1900 the serge drape mixture was developed by Fox Brothers, which was then approved by the Prince of Wales and is now known worldwide as khaki. This was used to make the puttee. The spiral leg puttees were used by the military as a part of the regular soldiers uniform, but they were also widely used for sporting pursuits such as hunting, shooting, fishing and cycling. Other fashion accessories were also produced at the Tonedale Mills such as scarfs and garters.
Fox Brothers are still going strong in 2011.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Alison McKenna

Acquisition Date

30/08/2011

Condition Check Date

30/08/2011

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

30/08/2011

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