Item 2022.47.1 - Isaac Walton & Co Ltd Darned Sack Jacket

Identity area

Reference code

2022.47.1

Title

Isaac Walton & Co Ltd Darned Sack Jacket

Date(s)

  • undated [1910-1920] (Creation)

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Item

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1

Context area

Name of creator

Isaac Walton & Co Ltd
(1887-Present)

Administrative history

Isaac Walton was a gentleman’s outfitter who specialized in bespoke tailoring. Before opening his first store in London in 1878, he served his apprenticeship in the Hartlepool, Co. Durham, drapery shop of his uncle. In 1887, the company opened a branch on Grainger Street in Newcastle-upon-Tyne; by 1897 advertising for the company showed they had three stores in different parts of London. A further branch was opened in York, North Yorkshire around 1900, later moving premises in the 1930s and again in 1961. This store closed in 1973. The Newcastle-upon-Tyne part of the company is still in operation, specializing in tweeds and sporting tailoring.
Sources: yorkpress.co.uk; Alamy; isaacwalton.co.uk.

Repository

Westminster Menswear Archive

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Scope and content

Single-breasted "sack" jacket with notch lapels, crafted from cream-coloured cotton fabric. The jacket fastens at the front with three light brown plastic "change" buttons, designed to be easily removable for laundering. Notched cuffs are secured with matching "change" buttons. It features patch pockets—one on the left chest and one on each side of the waist. The back has a central seam and no vent. The jacket has been extensively repaired, with patches of overstitching on the lapels, cuffs, and near the front opening. It is unlined and lacks internal pockets.

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      Label: Isaac Walton & Co Ltd / London, York & Newcastle / No. [Blank] / Name: [Blank]
      Materials: Cotton
      Measurements: 45cm [Chest]; 67cm [Length]
      Details: Single breasted; Patch Pockets
      Physical Condition: Worn. Some evidence of repairs

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      From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:

      DARNED SACK JACKET
      Isaac Walton and Company Ltd
      1910s
      The ‘sack’ or ‘sac’ jacket was introduced in the 1860s and was similar to the lounge suit in style. Having no waist seam, the cut allows the jacket to hang straight down from the shoulders. At first glance, the light colour and the lack of internal structure, canvassing and lining, indicates that it would have been worn for leisure. However, the distinctive pin-shank corozo buttons that are attached with metal split rings through eyelet holes show that it is more likely to be a workwear garment. This style of button was widely used in British workwear until the 1970s because they were simple to remove and reattach for laundering. The front, lapel and collar of the
      jacket have been darned by hand and machine, and the back of the collar has also been repaired.
      Cotton, Corozo
      Archive no. 2022.47.1

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