Strapline: 100 years of history of the ageless textile — tarpaulin
Almost a century ago, people used tarpaulin as simple protective gear, but this practical material still feels current today despite its long history.
Tarpaulin is a blend of the words “tar” and “palling” and refers to a tarred cloth that people used to cover large objects like ships. Tarps have been in use for hundreds of years. Sailors at sea often coated sheets with tar to protect their goods. They even covered their outer garments to shield themselves. Sheets, known as “palls”, were layered with tar more and more because the waterproof coating protected people, animals, and cargo from bad weather and dirt.
Tarpaulin was also common on farms, where it covered crops, tools, and shelters.
Pirate flags are famous today for their skull and crossbones, but in the past those flags were often nothing more than large pieces of tarpaulin.
From World War I to World War II, tarp fabric stayed in use. Cunningham’s Camp, one of the oldest holiday camps, later became part of an internment camp in 1914 and was covered with tarpaulin.
Tarpaulin also found a place in early survival kits for soldiers so they could shield themselves from extreme conditions and potential nuclear attacks.
Today, tarpaulins appear almost everywhere. People use them to protect cars from grime and weather or to keep belongings safe between seasons. Yet you rarely see this fabric in a wardrobe. That is about to change, so get ready for some exciting products we plan to bring to you.
An art installation with tarpaulin, 2008
At Daily Objects, we will be launching our Tarp Bag Collection — a line-up of carry-it-all essentials that look stylish. The bags are an amalgamation of unconventionality and antiqueness — a blend of the past and present. Backed with meticulous handcraftsmanship, flattering silhouettes, and leather details, we have reimagined the vintage tarpaulin in a modern way for contemporary dressers. The collection is here to reflect and visually portray the voguish character of all its owners.
So, are you ready to kick it up a notch?
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