OILY JACK England

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OILY JACK England

BRITISH HERITAGE IN MOTION
Traditional Hand Waxing & Repair Service. KENT, U.K.
(1)

04/06/2026

A customer came to us after losing the original belt from her ladies’ Trialmaster jacket. She had already purchased a replacement belt directly from Belstaff, but unfortunately the fabric colour and finish didn’t match the jacket, leaving the overall look noticeably inconsistent.

To restore the jacket properly, we set about crafting a completely new belt using carefully selected fabric, chosen to closely match the original material and colour of the jacket. This ensured the replacement looked as though it had always been part of the garment.

To retain the authentic Belstaff character, we reused the original Belstaff-branded buckle, transferring it onto the newly made belt. While recreating the belt, we also made a practical improvement by incorporating two additional eyelets, providing a greater range of adjustment and a more comfortable fit.

The result is a bespoke replacement belt that not only restores the jacket’s original appearance but enhances its functionality, allowing the customer to continue enjoying her Trialmaster for years to come.

04/05/2026

The Morgan — Archive No. 28

A true piece of racing history.

This Trialmaster jacket was worn during the 1977 Isle of Man “Oldest Machine” race, where it wasn’t just present—it won. A genuine race-worn garment, shaped by real use rather than design alone.

Constructed in a rare colourway, it features a beige check lining—a detail typically reserved for green Trialmasters of the period, making this example particularly unusual within the archive.

Over time, the jacket has developed the kind of character that can’t be replicated. Signs of wear are honest and earned, including an early replacement zipper, fitted after heavy use in its racing life—an indication of just how much this piece was relied upon.

Within our archive, it’s known simply as “The Morgan” — No. 28, a nod to its racing provenance and enduring presence.

Not just a jacket, but a document of performance, utility, and time.

28/04/2026

From the Archive: The Earliest Known Barbour Thornproof Dressing Tin

Among the pieces we keep in the Oily Jack England archive, few feel quite as special as this early tin of Thornproof Dressing — believed to be the earliest known example with branded box still in existence.

While we can’t date it with complete certainty, we estimate it likely comes from around the 1950s, based on the packaging, typography, and construction. The outer box carries the familiar Barbour name alongside “Beacon Oilskins and Waterproofs” — a reminder of the brand’s earlier identity, rooted firmly in practical weatherwear for working life rather than fashion.

What makes this piece particularly rare is that the original metal tin inside remains completely full, still holding its original wax dressing. Unlike modern tins, the container itself is completely unbranded — simple, functional, and built entirely around purpose rather than presentation.

The instructions printed on the box are beautifully direct: warm the garment thoroughly, apply the dressing sparingly, rub well in, then warm the garment again to ensure the wax works properly into the cloth. Even decades later, the process remains remarkably similar to how we rewax jackets today in The Workshop.

That continuity is what makes pieces like this so important. They remind us that rewaxing has never been a trend — it has always been about maintenance, longevity, and respect for a well-made garment.

At Oily Jack England, repair and restoration sit at the centre of what we do, and this tin feels like a small but powerful symbol of that philosophy. A quiet object, built for function, still carrying its purpose all these years later.

If you happen to own an earlier example, we’d love to hear from you.

Proof that good things were always made to last.

16/03/2026

As we celebrate our first year at Oily Jack England, we wanted to share a film that captures the craft at the heart of what we do.

This footage was originally filmed during a project with showing the process of rewaxing and restoring a wax jacket — something we’re proud to do every day in our workshop.

Rewaxing is about more than maintenance. It’s an investment in the jacket, and the journeys it will continue to take you on.

To thank everyone who has supported us since 2021, enjoy 10% OFF your next reproofing service with the discount code: YEARONE10

🎥 Film by:

Link to full YouTube video in comments.

15/03/2026

A film from the workshop.

Capturing the craft of rewaxing and restoring wax jackets.

Releasing tomorrow as we celebrate one year of The Workshop.

13/03/2026

What a difference the small custom touches can make.

Take this absolutely stunning Roadmaster, now with the front pocket label relocated to the outside for that classic vintage look.

Finished with a fresh rewax, it’s now more than ready for the road.

06/03/2026

Join the Oily Jack England Team

We’re looking for a friendly and reliable team member to join us at Oily Jack England in Westerham.

Oily Jack England specialises in rewaxing, repairing and restoring waxed jackets, helping customers keep their favourite garments going for many more years. As our business grows, we’re excited to welcome someone new to our small team.

The role may include:
• Assisting with rewaxing and repairing wax jackets
• Preparing garments for repair and restoration
• Helping with general workshop and shop tasks
• Speaking with customers and helping with enquiries
• Supporting the day-to-day running of the shop

We’re looking for someone who is:
• Practical and happy working with their hands
• Reliable and organised
• Friendly and comfortable speaking with customers
• Interested in craftsmanship, repair and sustainability

Experience in clothing repair or similar work is preferred but not essential — training can be provided for the right person.

If you’re interested, please pop into the shop or send us a (email only) to find out more. [email protected]

We’d love to hear from you.

16/02/2026

We would like to sincerely thank our customers and community for their patience and understanding while our workshop was temporarily closed.

As a family-owned business, the support, kindness, and respect you have shown us during this time has meant a great deal. Your messages and continued trust in OILY JACK ENGLAND did not go unnoticed.

The workshop is now fully open again, and we are grateful to be back doing what we do best. We look forward to working on the all the projects we already have and welcoming new jackets back into the workshop.

Ashley and Sasha

11/02/2026

To our valued customers and community,

As a family-owned business, family has always been at the heart of OILY JACK ENGLAND. Due to a recent family bereavement, all workshop work is currently on hold while we take a short period to be together, grieve, and honour the life of a much-loved family member.

Workshop services will resume from 16th February. If this revised timeline does not suit, we completely understand and will be happy to arrange the return of your jacket upon request.

We sincerely thank you for your understanding, discretion, and continued support during this time.

— OILY JACK ENGLAND

15/01/2026

Handcrafted in our workshop from the finest 8oz fabric - this made to measure belt is ready to go! Featuring a genuine leather “tobacco Brown” buckle which balances the colour pallet of the Solway Zipper jacket perfectly.

Address

Keston
BR26HZ

Website

http://oilyjack.co.uk/

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