Replica flying jacket comes to life
22 July 2011History has come back to life after a 100 year old leather flying jacket used in the first world war has been painstakingly reproduced. The leather jacket is part of the First World War aviation collection at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset, UK and has for some time been used in regular ‘hands on’ talks put on by the museum for visitors.
However, the jacket has now become too delicate for handling and Pittards, the leading leather manufacturer, agreed to provide a replica.
Christian Charles, the women’s wear designer at Pittards, said ensuring the leather replicated the look and feel from 100 years ago was difficult as leather manufacturing processes have advanced so much in recent years. However, working with the company’s extensive Research and Development Department, she was able to produce an almost exact copy of the original when it was first made.
‘I was delighted I was able to help,’ she said. ‘I usually spend my time working on new trends and designing ideas for Pittards new leather Fashion Collections. To have the opportunity to work on something so different was an exciting challenge.’
