Historical information

A leather apron would have been worn as a protective garment by blacksmiths. It would have helped to them from sparks and other hazards whilst they were working.

Significance

Early businesses in Portland included a blacksmith. This would have been vital to the town and its development. Although the provenance of the apron is unknown it is possible that this belonged to a Portland blacksmith.

Physical description

Brown leather apron. Leather neck strap with metal. Metal buckle to the side. Rope pieces have been added where the original leather straps have broken off. Bottom right corner has a triangular shaped rip which has been mended and sewn back together. The leather is fairly brittle with marks and stains on it.