Sheepskin Coat

Sheepskin Coat Pine Rivers Heritage Museum

Purchase Angela Waters bought her beloved coat in 1967 from Cleary’s in Dublin, Ireland where she worked. She had always wanted a sheepskin coat but at thirty pounds, even with staff discount, it was a major purchase. Angela’s father said if she saved half, he would pay the other half. At the time Angela was earning two to three pounds a weeks. Ward Angela’s coat was manufactured in Ireland under the Julian Ward label, who specialised in suede, leather and sheepskin garments. Julian Ward operated his own store and wholesaled to other retailers including Cleary’s. Part of a prominent sporting family, Ward also contributed to Ireland’s wrestling industry as a well-respected national coach, player and referee. Sheepskin Originally worn by military personnel during WW1, sheepskin (or shearling) coats became popular due to their warmth and durability. Thanks to Hollywood stars of the 1950s like Marlon Brando and James Dean, the sheepskin jacket began to symbolise rebellion and youth culture. By the 1960s sheepskin coats and jackets were sought-after fashion items. Immigration Angela and her husband Dominic immigrated to Australia in 1969 under the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme. Colloquially known as ‘Ten Pound Poms’, Angela and Dominic where part of the 1 million plus people who immigrated to Australia between 1945 and 1982. Despite stepping off the boat in Sydney to a hot and humid December day, the young couple wore their sheepskin coats. It was one of the few times Angela wore her coat in Australia.