60/690

W. E. Naylor (Manufacturer)

A saddle tree can be one of two things – the frame around which a saddle is built, or a frame which sits on top of the saddle to support the girth straps. They are made of beech, because of its elastic properties, and the designs are adapted to meet local requirements. This is a ‘riding’ saddle tree. It is made of beech, covered with canvas, and has an iron strap across the bridge. It was made by W. E. Naylor of Driffield, East Yorkshire, circa 1945–6, and is part of a large collection of traditional craft products acquired from the British Council in 1960.

MERL miscellaneous note, B. L. 22 March 1961 – ‘The British Council collection. // This collection of material which is covered by the accession numbers 60/430 to 60/791 contains examples of craft products made in the British Isles. The major part of the collection was prepared immediately after the Second World War for a travelling exhibition which was sent to Australia and New Zealand. // The collection was purchased for a nominal sum by the Museum in two portions, the one in the summer of 1960 and the other in February 1961. // For further details see the individual catalogue cards and the catalogue prepared for the temporary exhibition of the collection.’, MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘A riding saddle tree from W.E. Naylor, Queen Street, Driffield, East Yorkshire. // The delicately curved and shaped saddle tree is made of wood covered with canvas. The curved bridge has an iron strap fitted with six pins. It is 18 in. long and 12 3/4 in. wide.’, British Council ‘Exhibition of Rural Handicrafts from Great Britain’ Exhibition Catalogue, 1946, ‘Introductory Note’ – ‘This exhibition contains only examples of handicrafts that are still being practised in the British Countryside. It is confined to the work of our traditional craftsmen and women who, with very few exceptions, would not think of themselves as artists or designers but whose work, nevertheless, so greatly enriches the daily life of those who live with and use their products. The work of these craftsmen, too, provides the basis from which many artist-craftsmen gain technical knowledge and inspiration. // Included with these rural crafts are eight screens showing handicraft processes which can be undertaken by schools or adults who wish to practise a craft at home. In this way we hope these examples of Britain’s country crafts may be related to a practical aspect of present day life in the Dominions and meet the increasing need to find satisfying ways of using the leisure which machinery now makes available to us. // Along with her traditional rural crafts Great Britain seeks to employ all the resources of modern agricultural science and engineering. We have therefore included with this exhibition some photographs showing examples of recent developments in agricultural machinery.’, British Council ‘Exhibition of Rural Handicrafts from Great Britain’ Exhibition Catalogue, 1946, 'Screen C. Saddle Trees', p.11 – 'Beech is the wood chosen for these, as it has great elasticity. The shapes vary from county to county and change with the type of farm waggon or cart, which has been adapted through long use to meet local requirements of soil and climate.', British Council ‘Exhibition of Rural Handicrafts from Great Britain’ Exhibition Catalogue, 1946, p.11 – 'C.2. Riding Saddle Tree. W. E. Naylor, East Yorkshire.', British Council Ref. No. NZ C2.

Driffield [East Riding of Yorkshire]

1945 - 1946