Item 2018.194 - RNLI Lifeboat Guernsey Woollens Crewman's Jumper

2018.194

RNLI Lifeboat Guernsey Woollens Crewman's Jumper

Item

1

Jumper, Guernsey or gansey, of dark blue knitted wool with ‘RNLI’ embroidered in red stitching on the centre front. It has distinctive stitch patterns including ribbing at the top of the sleeve, to mirror a sailing ships rope ladder; a garter stitch panel depicting breaking waves and stitching on the sweater shoulders representing pebbles, stones and sand. It features a traditional diamond gusset at the underarm for ease of movement. The hem has a garter stitch welt and two slits in the hem line.
Country of Design: Guernsey, British Isles
Country of Manufacture: Guernsey, British Isles

100% Pure New Wool
Colour/Print: dark blue with red embroidery
Details: gusset, garter stitch, ribbing
Label: Guernsey Woollens Made in Guernsey British Isles. 100% Pure New Wool 112cm 44ins

Traditional Guernsey jumpers were originally knitted for local fishermen to protect them from the elements, knitted with close stitches from tightly twisted wool to withstand sea spray and rain. The jumper later became popular throughout coastal Britain and are also known by the term 'Gansey'.