Jump to content

Draft:Edward Le Roy (Inventor of Oilskin)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Edward Le Roy Born: 1859, New Zealand Died: 1933 Nationality: New Zealander Occupation: Sailor, Inventor Known for: Developing the modern oilskin garment

Early Life and Career Edward Le Roy was born in 1859 in New Zealand. He spent much of his early life at sea, working on Windjammer ships that transported wool and wheat to Europe and manufactured goods to Australia. His experiences at sea inspired him to create a solution for waterproof clothing.

Invention of Oilskin In 1898, Le Roy discovered that worn-out sailcloth could be recycled into waterproof outerwear. He developed a method of painting the fabric with a mixture of linseed oil and wax, creating a durable and waterproof garment suitable for foul-weather conditions. This innovation quickly gained popularity among sailors and fishermen.

Impact and Legacy Le Roy's oilskin garments became essential attire for sailors, fishermen, and others working in harsh weather conditions. The oilskin coat, also known as a "slicker" in the United States, became widely adopted and adapted for various uses, including by the British army and Australian cattle drovers. The Driza-Bone, an iconic Australian version of the oilskin coat, is a direct descendant of Le Roy's invention.

Edward Le Roy's contribution to waterproof clothing has had a lasting impact, with modern oilskins still being used today in various forms, including those made from PVC-coated synthetic fabrics and advanced waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex.

References

[edit]