The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1655.2022.1
1930's Zambrene Ski Suit
07/04/2022
Hermione Cooper
07/04/2022
Navy blue Zambrene jacket and trousers. Grey lining. Detachable hood and belt. 2 front buttons on jacket and 2 buttoned pockets. Trousers tied with 7 buttons at side. Triangular inset at ankles.
Zambrene
Woman’s Size 14
4
Triangular label inside jacket reads “YARNPROOFED ZAMBRENE REGD. BB & S LONDON SELF VENTILATING. HYGIENIC WATERPROOF” and image of a woman.
Navy with grey lining
“THE SUIT- Jacket with belt and hood and trousers, belonged to EH Martin, for skiing and skating in Switzerland 1932 - + 1934”
The note above was pinned on this fabulous ski suit which arrived via our dear friend, Myrtle Simpson, who had been given it by Elizabeth Martin’s daughter, who was also Elizabeth.
Fairly simple in design, it is a very rare item and we are delighted to have it in the collection. Not sure who made it, though the Zambrene, self ventilating material was very popular in the 1920/30’s and could well be described as an early gore-tex; though whether or not Zambrene actually kept you dry, we are not sure.
Described as the ‘ rubberless raincoat’ Zambrene weatherproofs were used extensively by officers during the First World War and subsequently by the outdoor fraternity like Elizabeth.
The photograph opposite shows her skiing later on in life, though she is not wearing this particular suit.
The Elizabeths kindly donated an equally fine set of skis, boots and poles a while back…you will find them elsewhere in the collection i.e. Marius Erikson & T H Hansen skis, poles and boots.
Donated by Elizabeth Martin
07/04/2022
07/04/2022
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
07/04/2022