Tarpaulin and all its amazing uses
Tarpaulin's use with boats: This strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material was being depicted as such as far back.
Tarpaulin in the manufacturing process: Tarpaulin was employed in the 16th century for use in a number of manufacturing processes.
Use on the high seas: As a material, however, this ubiquitous fabric is intrinsically connected to the economic.
Jack tars: In an effort to waterproof them, mariners often tarred their own overclothes in the same manner.
The best material: Up until the 20th century, tarpaulin was made from flax canvas coated in water-resistant tar.
A new fashion: Clothing fashioned out of tarpaulin quickly caught on, at least as specialist apparel.
A fabric soaked in blood: Tarpaulin was used by the Russian Navy as decking to soak up the blood of executed mutineers.
The appearance of the tarpaulin truck roof: A motortruck belonging to Malicet et Blin, a French manufacturer of bicycles.
Wrapped up in steam: Tucked under tarpaulin ready for transport to the Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924.
Mass produced: In the 20th century, polyurethane replaced tar, then canvas was superseded by woven plastic.