Original 1930's era postcard 2 patriotic children - boy called Michael and a girl called Pam, on a British beach. The two siblings are wearing 2 piece woollen bathing suits (very sustainable!) typical of the time, and the boy is holding a Union Jack flag. Possibly taken during WW2 era A pier, is in the background, possibly Clacton-on Sea, Essex, England, Retro beach photo.
Looks like the photograph was taken at Clacton-on Sea, Essex by the profile of the pier and building at the end. Woollen bathing suits: In the 1930s, when swimming and the creation of swimwear was becoming increasingly popular, wool was the material commonly used in the making of these garments .belief of the time that wool was a good material to use in close-fitting clothing, like swimwear, due to its elasticity. However, when wet it became very heavy, thus turning out not to be the most ideal material for making swimwear. Nevertheless, out of the available materials of the time, wool served to be the most financially and structurally appropriate. Moreover, due to the availability of wool, and the re-emergence of knitting as a popular hobby, it meant that people at home were able to knit their own swimwear, often using fashion magazines for inspiration. Although swimming was not an activity accessible to all, as only a certain few could afford to go on holiday, the process of making your own swimwear meant that you did not have to factor in the cost of buying a swimming costume, making it more accessible. A more expensive - but more streamlined - alternative material to wool was silk. It became prominent in competitive swimming, but due to the high price, was not something that many could afford. The beginnings of the big swimwear companies that are present in our current society: One of the most renowned and popular is ‘Speedo’, which actually began as a knitwear factory, set up by Alexander MacRae, a Scottish man who emigrated to Australia. His company, originally named ‘Fortitude’, took off by making socks for the Australian Army during World War I; it was only after this that the company began to make swimwear. This shows how important wool actually was to swimwear, and to the industry itself. Source: the Costume Society.
Size: 4547px × 6861px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © ThislifeThen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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