Objects Database

Robert Lawrie Ski Parka

Accession Number

1187.2014.1

Object Name

Robert Lawrie Ski Parka

Created

04/12/2014

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

04/12/2014

Brief Description

Robert Lawrie ski parka with drawstring fur edged hood and drawstring waist. Large front zipped pocket. Button fastening cuffs

Materials

cotton, metal, plastic, leather

Dimensions

84(l) x 74(w) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

label inside reads" ALPINE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS ROBERT LAWRIE LTD. LONDON W.1."

Colour

fawn, brown

Maker

Robert Lawrie Ltd.

Object Production Place

England

Provenance

We've had to extend our geographical boundaries a little to embrace this exhibit as it comes from Antarctica. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has its roots in Operation Tabarin, a secret World War II mission to deny enemy ships access to Antarctic waters. There was a scientific element which continued after the war, ultimately becoming the British Antarctic Survey.
Dog sled teams were a crucial element in the work of BAS and it was essential that the field workers were properly equipped with good, functional clothing - the anorak/parka we have here in the collection was part of that outfit, though this particular one never actually got used and is consequently in mint condition albeit around 50 years old, as it dates from the 1970's.
Robert Lawrie, whose label appears inside the hood, was a bespoke bootmaker who also specialised in alpine and polar equipment. We doubt he would have made these anoraks himself; more likely had them made to very high specifications and subsequently supplied them to BAS.
Unfortunately, we can't do 'touchy feely' on the computer, but trust us, this is a very fine garment to handle.
It belonged to, and was donated by Rod Pashley, who worked for BAS down on the ice back in the 1970's. Sadly for Rod, and many others, BAS stopped using dogs to pull their sleds in Antarctica in 1994 for environmental reasons.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Rod Pashley

Acquisition Date

04/12/2014

Condition Check Date

04/12/2014

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

04/12/2014

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