This standard design life jacket was made by sailmakers Harry West Pty Ltd at Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales from 1930s to 1950s. Harry West - Harry was a chandler, sailmaker and rigger. He made and sold all kinds of canvas and rope goods including sails, awnings and covers. In 1925 he was advertising life buoys but by 1933 he was advertising life jackets. He and his wife Margery had six children. His business was still operating in 1954, when an article on the craft of sailmaking appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald. His sailmaker's loft was located, traditionally, close to Sydney's harbour. Life Jackets - Life jackets were part of the equipment carried by the Life Saving Rescue Crew of South Western Victoria, including Warrnambool, from around 1858 until the 1950s. The purpose of a life jacket is to keep the wearer afloat until he or she is rescued from the water. Life jackets were first invented in 1854 by Captain Ward of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Britain. The early life jackets were filled with cork, which is very buoyant. However, many times he cork caused the jacket to rise up quickly with a force that caused unconsciousness, sometimes turning the person face down in the water , causing them to drown. After the tragic loss of the ship RMS Titanic in 1912 and the lost lives of those onboard, a woman named Orpheus Newman designed the Salvus life jacket (Salvus means safe), which was filled with kapok instead of cork. Kapok comes from seed pods of the Ceiba Pentandra tree and is waterproof as well as buoyant. These Salvus jackets were used by the Royal Navy until new synthetic materials became available around the time of World War II.This life jacket is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Life jacket, canvas covered, with two kapok padded compartments joined by shoulder straps and waist ties. Designed to slip over the head and tie at the waist. Inscriptions on pouches, some stencilled, some hand written, and inspection text on shoulder strap. Made by Harry West Pty Ltd., Sailmakers, Balmain, Sydney.Stencilled on pockets: “- - - NDARD / LIFE JACKET” [STANDARD LIFE JACKET], “HARRY WEST PTY LTD / SAILMAKERS / BALMAIN, SYDNEY” Stamped on shoulder strap: "XM3271RC" Hand painted on pocket: “DAVIES”flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, captain ward, royal national lifeboat instution, kapok, life jacket, orpheus newman, salvus jacket, life saving, rescue, rescue crew, l.s.r.c., life saving equipment, marine technology, lifeboat, shipwreck victim, vintage, harry west, balmain, sydney, davies, standard life jacket, survivor, shipwreck, sailmakers, harry west pty ltd

Sailmaker's twine is usually stored on a reel. It is wax coated and ready to use. The twine is made from strands of fibres that are plied together. The wax waterproofs the twine and smooths out the fine hairs of the fibres, making it easier to work with. The waxed twine helps prevent the ends of the rope work from fraying. Sailmakers use twine and needles to sew sails and many other canvas items such as bags and covers. Special tools, equipment, benches and seats are needed to work with the large heavy and thick pieces of canvas. Sometimes the sailmaker with have special-purpose tools made for his unique work. The place of work on shore is often called a sailmaker's loft. However, sailmakers also work on the job, on sailing ships and boats. This twine is an example imperative equipment for sailmakers. Sailmaking was an essential trade in the shipping industry of the 17th to 19th and early 20th centuries. Sailmakers were often part of a ship's crew, making repairs as needed and using their skills for other work such as net making.Twine; reel of brown waxed sailmaker's twine.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, twine, waxed twine, sailmaker's twine, sailmaker's equipment, sailmaking, canvas work

The sewing palm was used by visually impaired workers in the mat making workshop at the Royal Victorian for the Blind Institute during the binding of mats to protect their palms from the 17cm-long curved mat making needle.1 leather folded band with indented metal square attached and leather lacing fastening at back assistive devices, employment

Hand forged metal tool, possibly a sailmaker's hook with the hook broken. It may be a fire iron. The twisted metal is a skill learned by a blacksmith.The item is a handmade tool, an example of the work of a blacksmith. Smiths were sought after in colonial Australia. Their trade allowed them to custom make work for the different industries necessary for survival in a new land.Sailmaker's stretching tool; long thin metal rod bent in half, with centre forming a handle or loop, and long ends twisted together to form a stem. The loose ends are formed together but appear broken.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, tool, sailmaker's tool, fire iron, blacksmith, twisted rod, twisted wire, sailmaker's hook

A sailmaker's hook is also called a sail hook, bench hook, stretching hook or third hand. It is used to hold the canvas of a sail or similar object while pulling tight with the left hand. This ensures the canvas is tight while stitching, keeping the sewn seam straight. This tool is still in use today wherever a canvas sail requires stitching. it's design has not changed since it was invented centuries ago as a sailor's third hand, helping to keep canvas sails taught during edge stitching or repairs.Hook; sailmaker's bench hook. Metal rod with a hook at one end and a flat head at the other end. This tool would be used in conjunction with a brass swivel and a lanyard.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, sailmaker's hook, sail hook, bench hook, stretching hook, third hand, sailmaker's tool, sailmaking, canvas sewing, maritime trade, sailmaker

Sail makers Palm - Used to push the sewing needle through heavy sail material (sometimes several layers thick) and when sewing edges included material and rope.Brown Leather sailmakers palmsailmakers palm, queenscliff maritime museum

The Skaregrøm was a swedish windjammer. On his log during his time on the Skaregrøm Captain Archie Horka often mentions "Chile John" or "Chileno/Chilano John". He also mentions his real name John Oyarzo, probably Juan Oyarzo (see Sea History Magazine). His name, although misspelled, is written in the Freda Oxley album.The picture shows one of the work on board a sailing ship. It also demonstrates how international ship crew were at the time. The photograph was published in the annual report for 1926.Sailor with grey shirt and cap sitting on the deck of the ship, repairing sails. Around his right hand is one of the sailmaker tool: the sailmaker sewing palm is a leather strap with metal piece on the palm called the eye. This piece has indentations to accept the head of the needle as you push it through the cloth. The number 14 at the back indicates the photograph was previously on one of the grey album pages with the legend: "Chilean sailmaker on the Skaregrom".in pencil: "cut off"is written twice on the top and bottom of the photograph. Number 14 was added later in black inkskaregrom, sailing ship, sailmaker, skaregrøm, chilean, sailor, reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969), weller album, windjammer, freda kathleen oxley 1882-1969, juan oyarzo, john oyarzo

Leather sailmaker's or roping palm. Left hand- simular to a seaming palm, except for the much heavier indentations in the eye and thicker moulded leather guard to the thumb hole. Rd No 666761.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sail maker's palm, sail making, roping palm

Found in a cupboard in the Port Fairy Police station. Presumably used by the Local police for restraining difficult prisoners.An item of significance to the precinct that the museum and archives occupies. A glimpse into the not so pleasant part of being a policeman or prisoner in the late 1800's to early 1900's.Canvas straight jacket with eyelet holes in back for lacing jacket closed appears to have been made by a sailmaker - has patch on left front breast - various brown stainslocal history, essential services, police, restraint, jail, prison

Bag canvas for sails mustard colour with 8 eyelets around top. Printed in black E F Prior Sailmaker 7 McHenry Sy East St Kilda. Has canvas patch on base.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The shrouds or fore-rigging are a part of the standing rigging on a sailing ship. They are used in pairs on each side of a ship to help hold the masts in place and to aid the sailors who climb the rigging. They are part of the basic framework for the sails. Larger vessels may have two or three pairs, and some ships may have upper and lower shrouds. The upper shrouds would be fixed to a protruding structure on the top of the masts so that they hung from the right angle. The ropework skills of the sailmaker would be used to create the shrouds, choosing fibres with properties suitable for the job at hand and creating the triangular shape carefully. Deadeyes and ropes were then used to attach the shrouds to the ship's structure.This shroud is an example of a part of the standing rigging of a sailing ship. Shrouds were used in pairs on larger sailing vessels to help hold the masts in place and give access to adjustable rigging such as sails.Fore Rigging or Shrouds, made from rope fibres. This shroud includes the upper and lower wooden deadeyes. They are part of a ship's rigging. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, shroud, fore-rigging, ropework, sailing ship rigging, standing rigging, natural fibres, sailmakers, handmade, deadeye, knot making

The shrouds or fore-rigging are a part of the standing rigging on a sailing ship. They are used in pairs on each side of a ship to help hold the masts in place and to aid the sailors who climb the rigging. They are part of the basic framework for the sails. Larger vessels may have two or three pairs, and some ships may have upper and lower shrouds. The upper shrouds would be fixed to a protruding structure on the top of the masts so that they hung from the right angle. The ropework skills of the sailmaker would be used to create the shrouds, choosing fibres with properties suitable for the job at hand and creating the triangular shape carefully. Deadeyes and ropes were then used to attach the shrouds to the ship's structure.This shroud is an example of a part of the standing rigging of a sailing ship. Shrouds were used in pairs on larger sailing vessels to help hold the masts in place and give access to adjustable rigging such as sails.Fore Rigging or Shrouds, made from rope fibres. This shroud includes the upper and lower wooden deadeyes. They are part of a ship's rigging.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, shroud, fore-rigging, ropework, knot making, sailing ship rigging, standing rigging, natural fibres, sailmakers, handmade, deadeye

While a sailmaker’s palm is intended for rope work, hand sewing sails and marine canvas work, it can also be used for other extremely thick or heavy-duty sewing applications. You can use a sailmaker’s palm for hand sewing leather, webbing or any sewing assembly that’s thicker than your sewing machine can handle.A late nineteenth to early twenty century sewing palm heavy duty used for rope work, its a tool that is still in use today aboard sailing vessels and gives a snapshot into the sailors life aboard the old sailing ships of times past.Leather roping palm. Left hand- simular to a seaming palm, except for the much heavier indentations in the eye and thicker moulded leather guard to the thumb hole. Rd No 666761.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This Eclipse model, treadle operated sewing machine was made by the Oldham Sewing Machine Company in Greater Manchester U.K.. It was used by sailmakers for sewing sails with box shape top and slim neck. Sewing machine, foot treadle, for sewing sails with box shape top and slim neck. Brand is Eclipse. Cast iron base is bolted to square wooden table-top with drawer under table. Drawer has 3 partitions and wood fitting with 5 drilled holes for needle storage, lock has diamond shaped, decorative metal surrounds; half of inside drawer is painted black. Decorative metal stand, painted green, with 2 foot pedals; 1 foot pedal drives the wheel wheel. Padals both have "ECLIPSE" cast into the iron.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, textile machines, sailmaker's machine, maritime sewing machine

The Display Board of Konts was handmade in Kings Lynn, Devon, England, by Tom Long DSM, a member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. Tom Long more recently lived in a suburb of Melbourne. This display board shows the knots and joins used in ropework performed by a sailmaker and other skilled knot tyers and ropeworkers. It demonstrates the uses of some of the knots, such as knobs and handles, suspending lengths of wood, reinforcing spliced rope and even for decorative work. The sailmakers, travelling as part of the ship’s crew, stored their tool kit in a canvas ditty bag. It contained needles, awls, a sailmaker’s leather-palmed glove with a heavily reinforced palm, a shuttle to mend and make nets, fids, knives, mallets, brushes, rulers, and rope gauges. Sailmakers used their ropework and knot-making skills for various purposes and chose the type of rope fibre for its particular properties. For example, Italian hemp rope was preferred for the light line used in shore-to-ship rescues because it was lightweight, not easily knotted, and absorbed less water. A supply of various types of rope was a commodity on board a ship and on land in the new colonies. It was flexible, easily stored, and could be worked to create an endless variety of objects on its own or with other materials like wood. An example is a simple rope ladder. Lengths could be combined to make various thicknesses, and pieces could be skilfully joined together by splicing. The importance of knots in seafaring cannot be overestimated. When ships relied on only the wind for power and speed, there were a huge number of various ropes in use, particularly about the sails and rigging. Seafarers would be judged on their ability to tie knots speedily and correctly. A mounted display of authentic seamen's knots is on a board covered in blue fabric. Various rope grades and fibres were used to work numerous knots and splices. Some of the uses are familiar, such as the toggle, the pineapple knot, and the Turk’s head. A selection of rope grades and fibres was used to work numerous knots and splices. Some of the uses are familiar, such as the toggle, the pineapple knot, and the Turk’s head. The name or purpose of the knot is on the label below it. Labels below each knot give its name or use.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, knot display, knot making, ropework, marine technology, sailmaker's work, sailor's knots, ship's rigging, seamen's knots, handmade, rope craft, knots, splices, display board of knots, knot board, tom long, sailmaker's knots, mariner's knots

The rigger's knife is usually more square pointed and thicker than that of a sailmaker. ( C.W. Ashley 1944 Ashley book of Knots p. 19) The rigger usually had a kit of tools that would fit on a belt: a sheath knife, a marlingspike, and a grease horn containing tallow.Property of the anonymous donor a former seafarer who also presented us with two hand-crafted examples of knot tying.Knife; a wooden handle in two pieces either side of blade secured by two steel anchor points. The short steel blade is oxidised but the actual cutting edge is worn and honed. The yellow nylon sheath appears to be made from recycled material strongly stitched on two sides. Large font black lettering on the inside but indistinguishable.rigging, rigger, sailor, seamen

Craven-A box with Perspex at front secured by screws. Box contains 14 items including calliper, metal knife, three wooden cogs, stone item, hand palm protector, needle, line (rope), two Fids, scissors, threader, Virginia Cigarettes metal box used to represent beeswax. There is a piece of typed paper identifying different items. Piece of paper ‘These are some of the hand tools and equiopment used by sailors and sailmakers throughout the ages of sail and steam./?Hand palm (used) for pushing needles through canvas sails ans heavy lines (rope)/ Fids for opening up lines for splicing/ Needles for passing through canvas and lines/ beeswaz for preservation of twine used in sailmaking and splicing/ Gauges measuring rope thickness/ Curved scissors for cutting canvas and twine/ Threader for threading twine through rope and canvas.

This journal provides the reader with glimpses of the adventures and hardships of a seaman's life. Many of the stories are of sailing ships.Contributes to our knowledge of the importance of shipping and places on record those stories of the sea which would otherwise be lost.Contents Editorial - - 5 Adelaide to Sydney on the Endeavour - P. Kelly - 7 A tribute to Capt. G.A. Molyneux - T.E. Goldfinch - 27 The Bos’n’s Chair - R.N. Thiele - 29 A Gallant Steward - B. Springthrope - 33 The Australians return to the Phillipines - W.S. McUtchen - 35 Sunbathing is good for the eyes - Capt. R. Hart - 49 William Thomas, The Liverpool Shipowner & the Holyhead — wrecked on Point Lonsdale - G.I. Hawkes - 50 “Seahorses” - G.M. Naug - 56 Henry Greathead 1757-1813 Inventor of the Lifeboat - B.M. Morris - 57 The Milag Book - K. Shewan - 63 Life & Death of a Shipyard - E. Pennell - 65 A Donkey’s Breakfast & Parish Rig - W.P. Shemmeld - 69 The Indian Rope Trick — witnessed - R.A. Bloom - 74 MV Otaio, Training for the Sea at Sea - J. Giles - 77 “Sailorman” - N. Smith - 85 Can you solve the mystery? K.S. - 87 A Norwegian apprentice in the 1930s - Capt. G. Skomedal - 88 Snippets from the papers of Alexander McLennan — Sailmaker - J. McLennan - 103 A Mother’s Letter - B.M. Morris - 106 The Carrick ex City of Adelaide - R.C. Shepherd - 108 Book Reviews - - 111sailing ships, steamships, shipping, seafaring life, shiplovers' society of victoria, dog watch

Framed scan of two newspaper articles from "The Williamstown Chronicle" Article 1: "The Williamstown Chronicle 20 September 1856/ Floating dock, Williamstown. To Shipowners and Commanders./ This Dock is now in working order/ and capable of docking ships of 800 tons. Apply to DOVE and Oswald, 95/ Wharf Melbourne. 94." Article 2: "25 July 1857/ The Willaimstown Chro/ Ship Chandlery/ Nelson Parade/ Dove and Oswald/ Beg respectfully to acquaint their friends that they have bought the Stock in Trade of Messrs,/ Probert, Verdon and Co Ship CHandlers abd Proviso of Merchants Neslon Parade, Williamstown;/ stores in Melbourne have opened them as:/ SHIP CHANDLERS/ Sailmakers, Iron mongers, Grocers and Provision Merchants/ The tug steamers "Hercules," "Black Eagle" and "Samson"/ Under the charge of competent masters, are at all times available for work in the River and Bay and to/ take Vessels to or from the Heads or Geelong. Orders for the Steamers left in Melbourne,/ Willaimstown, or on board the Sir W Molesworth, hulk, will have prompt attention,// The floating dock, off Williamstown,/ Capable of Docking Vessels of 800 tons register is in efficient working order. Full particulars of charges/ will be furnished at the Office in Melbourne./ Coals/ A large supply of which is kept on board the Sir W Molesworth, hulk, can be supplied on the shortest / notice to steamers, sailing vessels or on shore; orders aken at either of the stores or by Mr/ McCallum, on board the hulk.

This ship model is of the sailing brigantine MARY CAMPBELL, which once belonged to Captain James Arthur Robilliard. The model was made by Harry McKenna, a well-known ship model maker and Warrnambool resident. CAPTAIN ROBILLIARD James Arthur Robilliard, sea captain and tent maker, was born in 19th April 1843 in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. He trained there in his father’s sail loft as a sailmaker. He later became a skipper. His first job was as a sailor in Liverpool, England. In 1875, James Robilliard migrated to Australia as a mate on the “E.M. Young”. Captain Robilliard and his family were amongst the early settlers along the Curdies River in the Heytesbury district. In 1877, he became a Captain. On 14th November 1879, Captain Robilliard married Helen Beckett. James and Helen had ten children: James Arthur (Jnr), Henry William, Nellie Jessie, Alfred Albert, Rubena Nellie, De Jersy Norman, Clifford Beckett, Olive Ida, Frances Ridley Havergal and Nellie Elvie, all born in Victoria. THE MARY CAMPBELL The ship “Mary Campbell” was built by Alexander Newton Jr. She was carvel-planked, of iron bark and blue gum timber. The family shipyard was at Pelican, on the Manning River, NSW, and “Mary Campbell” was first launched by her builder in 1869 as “The Son”. Three months later, she was renamed “Mary Campbell’ by her purchaser J. Campbell in Sydney. She was used to carry equipment for the Sydney Sugar Refinery’s Mill in Southgate, NSW. She then traded for the next 20 years between Australian ports and rivers along the east coast, as well as regular ports in New Zealand. She was “recognised as one of the best carrying little vessels in the timber trade” (Sydney Morning Herald). She had several owners over this time, the last one being Captain James A. Robilliard. On 29th April 1889, “Mary Campbell”, in the charge of her owner, Captain James A Robilliard, was on her way from Clarence River, NSW to Melbourne, Victoria with a cargo of railway girders for the Melbourne Harbour Trust. Captain Robilliard encountered a storm off Port Macquarie. He sailed the vessel south to 25 miles (about 40km) east of Cape Hawke, near Tuncurry and Forster. At 7 pm, he discovered that the cargo had shifted during the stormy seas and the heavy girders had damaged the hull, causing a leak. The pumps were inadequate to stem the fast-flowing leak, and over a meter of water filled the hull during the next 2 hours. Some of the crew began throwing the cargo overboard to lighten the vessel, hoping to keep it afloat until daylight. When the water reached over 2 meters in the hull, they realised their efforts were in vain. At 1:30 am on 30th April 1889, the crew left the vessel. They stood by in the lifeboat until 3 am. The ship was sinking fast, so they left for the shore, looking for a safe place to beach their boat. While still miles off Cape Hawke, all 7 crew members, including the Captain, were rescued by the Government Tug “Rhea” and taken to Port Macquarie hospital, then returned to Sydney in the “Wellington”. Captain Robilliard managed to rescue his ship’s compass, but no cargo was saved from the vessel. It had been under-insured, only covered for half its value, due to a lack of funds. Many years later, in 1976, an anchor was caught up in the net of a trawler south of Forster and thought to be from the “Mary Campbell”. It was donated and installed in the Great Lakes Museum, Tuncurry, NSW. (The same museum also has a half-model of the hull of “Mary Campbell”.) The name of the last ship Captain Robilliard sailed is currently unknown; however, he sailed that ship from the port of Marlborough, Queensland, carting steel railway girders for the Geelong-to-Camperdown line. On one trip, it hit a storm, the cargo shifted, and the ship was wrecked along the NSW coast. After this, Captain Robilliard exchanged sea life for farming in Peterborough. In about 1897, verging on retirement, Capt. Robiilliard superintended the Melbourne Sailors’ Home in Spencer Street, Melbourne, before being asked to leave this position in 1902 for trying to shut down the local hotel! At this time, the Melbourne Sailors’ Home was about to change its location. On 6th May 191,7, Captain James Arthur Robilliard J.P. died at Blackwood Park, in the Cobden district of Brucknell, which is now considered the first official Robilliard family homestead in Australia. He was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery, Victoria. His wife, Helen, passed away in 1947. The Becket and Robilliard family names continue to be well known in the Western District. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also has a ship’s compass in the collection that was owned by Capt. J. Robilliard and used on the ship Mary Campbell.This ship model of the MARY CAMPBELL is of local significance for its association with well well-known Warrnambool resident and ship model maker. The model is also significant for its association with the brigantine MARY CAMPBELL, a trading vessel that brought railway girders to the Melbourne Harbour Trust.Ship model "Mary Campbell": a two-masted vessel with black hull, brown masts and black rigging, displayed in a glass case with a timber frame painted green. Made by Harry McKenna.Painted on the bow in white “MARY CAMPBELL” Gold label with black print attached to display case “MODEL BY THE LATE HARRY McKENNA OF WARRNAMBOOL”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, marine artwork, model making, captain james arthur robilliard, j.a. robilliard, vessel mary campbell, ship mary campbell, melbourne sailors home, vessels, harry mckenna, mary campbell

Captain Robilliard: James Arthur Robilliard was a sea captain and tentmaker, born on the 19th April 1843 at Saint Helier, Jersey. He trained there in his father's sail loft as a sailmaker. His first job as a sailor was in Liverpool, England, and in 1875, James Robilliard migrated to Australia as a mate on the "E.M. Young". James Robilliard and his family were amongst the early settlers who arrived along the Curdies River in the Heytesbury district of Western Victoria. In 1877, he became a Captain and would have used his compass from ship to ship. On 28th May 1877, in that same district, a small 3-masted schooner, the "Young Australian", was wrecked. This schooner had been built in 1864 at Jervis Bay, NSW. It had been on her way from Maryborough, Queensland, to Adelaide, under the command of Captain Whitfield, when it lost its mainmast in a heavy gale. It was beached at Curdies Inlet in Peterborough, Victoria. Captain Robilliard was placed in charge of the salvaging operation and recovered a good portion of the cargo. Not long after this incident, a Warrnambool shop owner, David Evans, found employment for James Robilliard with Evan Evans, who produced tents, sails, tarpaulins and similar goods; James already had the necessary skills for this work. Evan Evans was the same sailor rescued from the “Young Australian”. Soon after his rescue, Evan recalled he had a relative in Australia in a town called Warrnambool, and while walking in Timor Street, Warrnambool, he saw a sign over a shop that said “David Evans,” and once the two men met, Evan was warmly welcomed. David then helped his relative establish a tent and tarpaulin-making business there. Evan later transferred his successful business to a shop in Elizabeth St, Melbourne, under the name Evan Evans Pty. Ltd.) James Robilliard was a committed Christian and accredited Lay Preacher with the Methodist Church. He travelled around the local district leading the settlers in worship. On 14th November 1879, Captain Robilliard married Helen Beckett. Alfred and Selina Beckett and their family all attended the church at Brucknell, where Captain Robilliard preached. He was said to have been taken by their young daughter, Helen. James and Helen had ten children: James Arthur (Jnr), Henry William, Nellie Jessie, Alfred Albert, Rubena Nellie, De Jersy Norman, Clifford Beckett, Olive Ida, Frances Ridley Havergal and Nellie Elvie, all born in Victoria. In the 1880s, James Robilliard captained the cutter "Hannah Thompson" into Port Campbell, Victoria. This vessel was the first coastal trader to operate between Melbourne and Port Campbell. At one time, Captain Robilliard had to beach the "Hannah Thompson" for repairs. In 1923, the vessel was blown ashore in a gale and wrecked at Oberon Bay, at Wilson's Promontory. In 1889, the compass was saved by Captain James Arthur Robilliard from his sinking brigantine "Mary Campbell". This vessel was used to carry equipment for the Sydney Sugar Refinery's Mill in Southgate, NSW. The ship had been built in 1869 and traded for the next 20 years between Australian ports and rivers along the east coast, as well as regular ports in New Zealand. It was recognised by the Sydney Morning Herald as one of the best "carrying vessels in the timber trade". It had several owners over this time, the last one being Captain James A. Robilliard. On 29th April 1889, the "Mary Campbell", with Captain James A Robilliard as captain and owner, was on its way from Clarence River, NSW to Melbourne, Victoria with a cargo of railway girders for the Melbourne Harbour Trust. Captain Robilliard encountered a storm off Port Macquarie. He sailed the vessel south to about 40km east of Cape Hawke, near Tuncurry. At around 7 pm, he discovered that the cargo had shifted during the storm and the heavy girders had damaged the hull, causing a leak. The pumps were inadequate to stem the fast-flowing leak, and water soon filled the hull during the next two hours. Some of the crew began throwing the cargo overboard to lighten the vessel, hoping to keep it afloat until daylight. When the water reached over 2 meters in the hull, they realised their efforts were in vain. On the 30th April 1889, the crew left the vessel the ship was sinking fast, so they made for the shore. While still miles off Cape Hawke, all seven crew members, including the Captain, were rescued by the Government Tug "Rhea" and taken to Port Macquarie Hospital and later returned to Sydney in the vessel "Wellington". No cargo had been saved, and the consignment had been under-insured, only covered for half its value. The name of the last ship Captain Robilliard sailed is currently unknown; however, he sailed that ship from the port of Marlborough, Queensland, carting steel railway girders for the Geelong-to-Camperdown railway line. On this trip, the ship hit a storm, the cargo shifted, and the ship was wrecked along the NSW coast. After this, Captain Robilliard retired from the sea and began farming in Peterborough. In about 1897, verging on retirement, Capt. Robilliard superintended the Melbourne Sailors’ Home in Spencer Street, Melbourne, before being asked to leave this position in 1902 for trying to shut down a local hotel. On 6th May 1917, Captain James Arthur Robilliard J.P. died at Blackwood Park, in the Cobden district of Brucknell, the first Robilliard family homestead in Australia. He was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery, Victoria. His wife Helen, passed away in 1947. This compass, once belonging to Captain James Arthur Robilliard, is of local and state historical significance for its use by the Captain with his vessel, the "Mary Campbell", a trading vessel that was bringing railway girders to the Melbourne Harbour Trust. He also used this compass on the "Hannah Thompson", listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and known as being the first coastal trader to operate between Melbourne and Port Campbell. The compass is also a very fine example of maritime navigational instruments manufactured and used in the mid-19th century. Marine compass, brass, in a wooden box with a separate, fitted lid. The compass card has sixteen points. The four principal points are marked: North with a star-shape, South with an “S”, East with an “E” and West with an “O” (French word OUEST). Each quadrant of the circle is numbered from 0 – 90 degrees. The card is floating in a liquid. The compass gimbal is attached to the sides of the box and to the front and back of the compass’ cylindrical brass frame. The mahogany coloured timber storage case is joined with brass nails. The centre of the lid has a folding decorative brass handle. The lid fits over the base and closes with a brass screw and hook on both front and back. Maker: Dubas Watchmaker Optician, Nantes, France, c 1860-1870. Compass came from the ship “Mary Campbell”, which sank off the NSW coast in 1889, near Forster. The compass, as well as the ship, belonged to Captain James Arthur Robilliard and was donated by his family. “DUBAS MANTES” stamped into the side of the gimbal. “DUBAS HORLOGER OPTICIEN. NANTES.” printed around the centre of the card. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, marine compass, navigation instrument 19th century, marine instruments, dubas mantes, captain james arthur robilliard, j.a. robilliard, helen beckett, ship young australian, ship young australia(n), ship hannah thompson, ship mary campbell, melbourne sailors home, david evans, evan evans, curdies inlet, brucknell church, curdies railway, great lakes museum, dubas horloger opticien. nantes

This handmade barrel sling has been crafted and used for hoisting barrels onto ships.This handcrafted barrel sling is an example of the ropework that sailmakers are skilled in. It is typical of the equipment carried on ships in the 19th and 20th centuries and used at docks for loading and unloading the cargo.Barrel sling; handmade hemp fibre ropework formed into a sling to support and carry a barrel or cask.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, barrel sling, ropework, cargo handling, loading sihps, dockside handling, freight handling

This handmade barrel sling is used for hoisting barrels onto ships. It is made from hemp fibre and is part of the equipment carried on 19th and early 20th century vessels for loading and unloading barrels and casks at the docks.This barrel sling is significant as equipment typically carried on board sailing ships for use in port when loading and unloading cargo.Barrel sling, handmade from hemp fibre.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, barrel sling, cask, dock, loading cargo, ship equipment, sailmaker, ropework

Punch, metal, with round burred head, four flat sides that taper to a flat narrow endflagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, punch, tool, metal work, metal work equipment, carpenter tool, sailmaker tool

This splicing tool is handmade on a forge. It is used for splicing in fibre and wire rope work to form a semi-permanent joint between two ropes, or parts of the same rope or steel cable. The rope is partly untwisted and then the strands are interwoven. Splices can be used to form a stopper at the end of a line, to form a loop or an eye in a rope, or to join two ropes together. Splices are preferred to knotted rope; a knot typically can reduce the strength by 20–40%, but a splice is capable of attaining a rope's full strength. This homemade, handmade splicer is an example of a tool used to splice a cable or rope, a craft that was in much need onboard a sailing ship. Splicing tool; a spike on one end and a flat blade on the other, with goose-neck centre for leverage. Handmade.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, splicing tool, rope work, rope strands, knot making, netting, net making, sailmaker's tool

This rope-making machine, called The New Era Rope Machine, was patented in the USA on July 18th 1911. It was made by the Continental Trading Corporation Ltd. in Chicago, USA. The ends of the rope would be threaded through the matching and hooked onto the machine's claws on the other side. The machine's handle would be rotated manually, which would twist the rope ends together, entwining them to make one thick rope.This manually operated rope-making machine is a labour saving devise used particularly by sailmakers in their rigging and ropework tasks. Rope-making machine, metal. The model is "The New Era Rope Machine". The manually operated machine has three claws through which roping material is threaded. Internal wheels have cogs around their perimeter. The two pieces that make up the machine's case are bolted together. Made by Continental Trading corporation Ltd Chicago USA. The machine was patented on 18th July 1911."The New Era Rope Machine" " Continental Trading Corporation Ltd Chicago USA" "Patd july 18 1911" "Made in USA" "Keep oiled"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ropework, the new era rope machine, patented, 1911, textile machine, continental trading corporation ltd., chicago, rope-making machine, textile industry

This handmade rope ladder is an example of maritime equipment. It could be easily folded and stored and was useful for many purposes including fixing the ship's rigging.The rope ladder is an example of handmade maritime equipment using the shills of a ship's carpenter or sailmaker. It was simple to make, easily stored and useful for many purposes including the ship's rigging. The rope ladder is significant for being the only rope ladder in our collection of maritime equipment. Rope ladder. Handmade ladder with three wooden steps joined by thick rope lengths between them. Each step has rounded corners and a large hole near each corner. The tope is threaded and knotted to create an equal distance between the upper, centre and lower steps. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ladder, rope ladder, handmade ladder, ship's ladder, maritime equipment, rigging, ropework

used by fishermen and sailors to protect their hands as they made and repaired sails with large needlesThis object is not used so much today because of industrial machines taking over the job of making sailsLeather palm protector with metal inset fastened around hand with leather strap and buckle fastenerlocal history, maritime technology, sail making, fishermen, sailors

The interviews were recorded in 2000 by Bronwen Gray and Alan Young for the production of Unreserved, Stories from Truganina Explosives Reserve, animated stories from past residents, workers and interested people of the Reserve (subject to copyright 2004). Alan Dyall reminisces on his childhood during the 1930s/40s in Williamstown and Altona in the 1960s. His father, Bill, worked as a lighterman at the Truganina Explosives Reserve. A primary source of information on memories of the Truganina Explosives Reserve and Altona,VictoriaDigital copy of original cassette recorded in 2000 and digitised in 2018albert street williamstown, rabbits, point cook homestead, truganina explosive reserve, lighterman, ports and harbours, charlie curry, lighter, ici, deer park, the strand williamstown, stevedores, hob nails, rope soled shoes, rifle range, snowy jorgensen, sailmaker

Saddlers thimbles are used to help pass thick needles through hard leather while protecting hands. Leather saddler's thimble designed to fit into palm of right hand over the thumb.Indistinct maker's name stamped into leather: "Thomas Bane (or Rane?) 1885 London"sailmaking tools, leathermaking tools, sailmakers palm