Bonfield ‘Burner’s Jacket’

Introducing our latest addition to Bonfield’s stable of garments: the ‘Burner’s Jacket’. Imagined rather than reinvented, the garment is not informed by an actual charcoal burner’s jacket. It’s a hybrid, its essence shaped by a woodman’s sleeved jerkin from the 1800s, with details inspired by a whaler’s jacket of the same period. Suitable for both men and women, the ‘Burner’s Jacket’ can be ordered in a variety of sizes and a carefully curated selection of textiles. * Front panel in a choice of Harris Tweeds (jacket shown in Brown, Charcoal grey & Blue grey check) * Sleeves and back panel in a small number of contrasting, plant-dyed or tea-stained antique linens (jacket shown is indigo-dyed) * Shawl collar * Subtly shaped sleeves with stitched cuff detail * Front shoulder godets in C19th linen - an authentic detail creating an attractive line * Two watch pockets at front * Original (C18th) blow hole metal buttons, mismatched and numbering five * Pair of historically-inspired linen cinch ties on back panel (optional) * Naturally dyed lining using walnuts from our own tree, kakishibu, tea and rusty iron - colour is a rich Brown with lovely patination * Internal breast pocket * Single decorative, narrative block print on inside featuring a teacup. The image sits on a tea-stained, hand-stitched linen patch * Block-printed size label * Entirely handmade in rural England * We ship overseas The inspiration behind the garment’s solitary block print comes from a passage in my brother’s book, ‘Burn’: …’but it was the names of the men themselves which proved most irresistible. There was a Humphrey Crow, Francis Grimes, John Rooke, and the best of all, Jim Shady, a Wyre Forest charcoal burner who worked alone and lived entirely on tea. Was it coincidence that all these names seemed a nod to their blackened faces, the result of ingrained charcoal dust?’ So, a block print for the burners: a teacup (for Mr. Shady), depicting a corvid (for Messrs. Crow & Rooke) in a woodland oak, authenticated with a dirty thumbprint (for Mr. Grimes). Appropriately, the image is printed on a tea-stained linen patch. Artists: image was designed and carved by Janet, and block-printed by Cameron.