The Australian Stock Saddle
and the Saddlers that made them
JAMES S. BLACKBURN 1842 - 1920
1900 - 'One of Mr. Blackburn's special lines is the seamless-seated saddle, which is made with the seat and skirts all in one piece. Mr. Blackburn claims the honour of having been the first to introduce this style of saddle into Queensland, and, judging by the increasing demand for them for station use, the new pattern must be a great improvement.'
James Blackburn's story starts off with a small amount of confusion. It is confirmed by research that he commenced a saddlery business in Russell Street, Toowoomba in 1864. Naturally not much is known about the business' inception as in the 1860's most trade was done by word of mouth, however a random advertisement in numerous newspapers gave an insight into Blackburn's history. In January 1866 the below advertisements appeared and ran until November, 1867. As the advertisements only ran for nearly two years, it can only be presumed that the business failed and the partnership ended. Blackburn was residing in Toowoomba during these dates. Interestingly it provides a small glimpse into his early saddlery career with the mention that Blackburn was the former manager for Butler Bros., York Street, Sydney. Given the timeframe, he must have been incredibly young and talented to secure that position at Butlers before taking up residence in Toowoomba c1864.
Not much can be found on his early saddlery years in Toowoomba, however the boxed advertisement below, in 1873 showed that James must have been going through some tough times for this to be announced. He must have traded out of his troubles as nothing else was mentioned in the following months with respect to selling out.
1874 Advert announcing a new workshop to be erected and 1875 listing all things saddlery available at the shop
Blackburn's success was gaining traction and he began to sell his stock through a bit of self promotion in the newspapers stating he has 'splendid stock' available made by the 'best material and workmanship'. This ad below was published in 1876.
In 1882, the [Tenterfield Star] reported on an incident affecting Blackburn's premises.
'Two more fires were reported on Friday, and in connection with both of them are circumstances pointing to the conclusion that they were the work of an incendiary. A fire broke out about 2 o'clock, on Friday morning in Blackburn's saddlery establishment in Russell-street. The fire was quickly extinguished but not before much damage had been done. The goods were uninsured. It has been discovered an examination that Blackburn's workshop was deliberately set on fire. A quantity of inflammable material was put in the feed box in the stable and ignited, and the flames crept up the wall to the left above, where there was stored some straw used in the harness trade.'
The fire apparently did not affect the trade of the saddlery.
Finally, Blackburn had earned a big enough reputation for the [Queenslander] to report on his success in 1897.
MR. J. BLACKBURN'S SADDLERY AND TANNERY.
One of the largest saddlery and tannery establishments in Queensland is that of Mr. James Blackburn of Toowoomba. Mr. Blackburn has successfully carried on business for the past thirty-three years (1864), and is now doing a very large and rapidly-increasing trade. Some years ago the premises occupied by Mr. Blackburn were found to be too limited to display his stock and to accommodate the large staff of workmen employed. It was then decided to erect new premises, and a large two-story brick building was erected in Russell-street which is not only a credit to the proprietor but an ornament to the town. In this shop is displayed an excellent stock of saddlery and harness. At the front are two large plate-glass windows, which are very tastefully dressed. In these are to be seen side saddles, gentlemen's saddles, ladies and gentlemen's riding and driving whips, buggy saddles, saddle cloths, Gladstone bags, bits, spurs, stirrup-irons, and a variety of harness oils and dressings, including "Blackburn's Superior Harness Oil," for which, we understand, there is a large demand. Entering at the front door, the visitor finds himself in an extensive showroom and saleroom, fitted with glass cases, cedar counters, shelving, stands, &c. One side is lined with shelving, on which is stowed every description of ironmongery which goes to make up a wholesale saddler's stock. Mr. Blackburn imports direct from the English manufacturers, and is thus in a position to supply the trade at wholesale prices. In the centre of the shop are several stands on which are displayed buggy and spring-cart harness, gentlemen's and ladies' saddles, &c, and a magnificent lot of glass cases are well filled with all kinds of buggy harness—black and brown, silver, nickel, and brass mounted. The ceiling is thickly studded with iron hooks, from which are suspended collars, cart, spring-cart, and buggy winkers, and shaft and leading harness. At the rear of the showroom is a large workshop, where about a dozen men are engaged in saddle and harness making. The second floor is used as a workroom, and also as a storeroom for leather, saddle trees, &c. Mr. Blackburn employs In all over thirty assistants, and as over £2000 is annually expended in wages alone, some idea may be formed of the extent of the business done. In saddles this establishment does a very large trade, and on many stations in Queensland are to be found saddles bearing the brand J. Blackburn, maker, Toowoomba. We are informed that every week large orders are received from all parts of the colony, and, notwithstanding the large staff of saddlers, it is almost impossible to keep pace with the demand. Our representative saw a dozen saddles, just being packed away, and was informed that these were for a station beyond St. George. One of Mr. Blackburn's special lines is the seamless-seated saddle, which is made with the seat and skirts all in one piece. Mr. Blackburn claims the honour of having been the first to introduce this style of saddle into Queensland, and, judging by the increasing demand for them for station use, the new pattern must be a great improvement. Nor is it in saddles alone that this establishment has such a wide connection, as large consignments of harness are sent to leading stations, &c, from Texas to the Gulf, and Mr. Blackburn's policy is to execute all orders in such a manner that constituents will come back again when the next lot of goods is required. In connection with the saddlery business is a tannery, which is situated in Klein street, about a mile from the saddlery shop. Here all kinds of harness and boot leather are turned out. Mr. Blackburn thus has advantages not enjoyed by the majority of other manufacturers, as the leather is under his personal supervision, and he knows exactly what class of material is being put in.
Followed by the [Toowoomba Chronicle], who finally recognised Blackburn's accomplishments as a local store owner, to give him his first write up on his success in 1899.
J. BLACKBURN
One of the greatest attractions in Russell-street as usual is the old established shop of Mr. Blackburn, who is still to the front with a grand stock of all kinds of saddles and harness. The reputation this firm has enjoyed for the last 35 years for turning out good work at the lowest possible prices, makes comment on our part unnecessary. His plate glass windows are still stocked with all kinds of saddlery too numerous to mention, but his seamless seat stock saddle, made on the premises deserves special mention, and the public are invited to inspect this in particular, as for workmanship and durability it cannot be surpassed. He has also a splendid lot of side-saddles his own make, from the best London park to the strong colonial. His stock of black and brown buggy harness is second to none in the colony, and for quality of material and workmanship equals the best English harness. He has just landed by "Duke of Argyle" a splendid lot of silver irons, whips, and spurs, ladies' and gent's bridles which are a show in themselves. Old and new customers, friends and strangers, are all invited to give him a call, and if they do not require to make any purchases, still he will be happy to show anyone round his old establishment.
THE SADDLE MAKING SHOP
The [Queenslander] returned to further report on Mr. Blackburn's establishment, together with the above photographs which gives a great insight into how they operated in 1900. At this stage, Blackburn had handed the reins over to Mr. William Hamwood to manage his industry, however Blackburn was still overseeing intermittently.
J. BLACKBURN'S SADDLERY WAREHOUSE.
One of the oldest and at the same time one of the most prosperous business establishments in Toowoomba is the large saddlery warehouse carried on by Mr. W. Hamwood under the name of Mr. J. Blackburn. The business was established thirty four (six) years ago by Mr. Blackburn, and was run by him until taken over by Mr. Hamwood some months ago. Under the captaincy of Mr. Blackburn the business prospered exceedingly, and judging from present appearances its prosperity is not likely to suffer at the hands of Mr. Hamwood. Travellers who have seen most of Australia assert that the establishment is one of the largest and best-equipped on this continent, and so great a reputation does it possess that almost every mail brings orders from all over the colony. I was shown over the premises some few days ago, and among other things my attention was drawn to a couple of dozen saddles which were being packed for shipment to Townsville. Mr. Hamwood informed me that he has customers as far North as Burketown, and even away in the far Northern Territory of South Australia. Nothing shoddy is turned out. The whole of the leather used is tanned at the tannery connected with the business, and in consequence nothing but the very best of leather is used. As evidence of the high quality of saddles and harness turned out by Mr. Hamwood, it may be mentioned that during the last month (he has exhibited at four shows, including Dalby, Toowoomba, and Brisbane). In all he secured nineteen first prizes—a very creditable record, indeed. Out of nine entries in the National Association's show at Brisbane he secured eight firsts, including one for the best collection of saddlery. In Toowoomba, out of the seven prizes awarded to saddlery and harness exhibits, he managed to secure four, and at Dalby he walked away with all but one. Mr. Hamwood pays very particular attention to the manufacture of ladies' sidesaddles. Among the employees is a man who has the reputation of being the very best sidesaddle hand in Queensland, and without a question the work turned out by this hand is as creditable as it is substantial. Mr. Blackburn was the original maker in Australia of the seamless-seated saddle, which at the present time has so great a demand on the stations of both the North and the West. The establishment secured a very fair proportion of the business in connection with the despatch of the various Queensland contingents to South Africa, having made in all 112 saddles, and the work was carried out to the entire satisfaction of the Government experts. Altogether about thirty-four hands are employed. Anything in the shape of a "weedy" workman is culled out, and in consequence the staff is one of the best in the colonies. Good work for good pay is Mr. Hamwood's motto so far as his employees are concerned, for he recognises by this means only can the reputation of his work be maintained. The ground floor of the large premises in which Mr. Hamwood carries on his business is devoted to the shop and showroom. A very large stock is carried, both in saddles and harness. He imports all his saddlers' ironmongery direct from the home manufactories, and in consequence saves importers' profit. On an average there is something like £3000 worth of stock on hand, so that it will be seen that Mr. Hamwood believes in keeping well ahead of orders. At the rear of the premises is a workroom devoted to repairs and collar making. The upper story, which is exceedingly well lighted, and suitable in every way for a factory, is devoted principally to harness making, and it is here that the bulk of the employees labour. Every branch of the business is conducted on up-to-date lines, and so long as Mr. Hamwood remains at the helm it is not very likely that the good name built by Mr. Blackburn will suffer; indeed, it is more than probable that by his energy and enterprise Mr. Hamwood will succeed in adding to the reputation he has gained.
The [Darling Downs Gazette] gave a nod to the Blackburn saddlery (under the captaincy of Hamwood) in 1901, for excellent prize results at the Brisbane Exhibition.
SADDLERY.
J. BLACKBURN (W. HAMWOOD).
This firm is one of two local firms showing, and a very fine array of lines appertaining to this business is shown. Several of the articles are of more than passing interest from the fact that at the Brisbane Exhibition they secured firsts against all comers. A set of buggy harness occupies this honour, and has again secured the prize here. So with a lady's side saddle, a similar honour has been again got here. The dray harness again wins the blue ribbon, and very fine it is. A set of carriage harness is worthy of one's attention, being made to the order of Mr. T. S. Burstow for his hearse horses. It is the finest seen here, and in finish and workmanship could not be better. In all four prizes have been won by this firm, making in all no less than 56 won during the last 12 months. This is a testimony as to quality and work that cannot be gainsaid, and reflects very highly on the firm. Mr. T. McDonald secured first prize for the best hogskin saddle, an excellent piece of workmanship. Mr. Hemsworth, of Brisbane, also has a display in charge of Mr. Guppy, and secures prizes for stock saddle and spring cart harness.
Reading between the lines, Mr. William Hamwood formally took over the business as owner sometime between late 1901 and early 1902, so the story of Blackburn's Saddlery continues on. Mr Hamwood's story can be found under his name.
The [Darling Downs Gazette] reported on the passing of James Blackburn on Thursday 22 April 1920.
DEATH OF MR. JAMES BLACKBURN.
The news of the death of Mr. James Blackburn which took place late last night, will be received with general regret. The deceased gentleman was well known in Toowoomba for he was for many years the owner of the well established saddlery and harness business in Russell-street now taken over by Mr. W. J. Hamwood. Of late years Mr. Blackburn had resided at his home in Taylor-street and only on rare occassions came into the city. He had attained the advanced age of 78 years and had for some little time been an invalid. He is survived by his widow. The funeral will leave his late residence, Tayler-street at 2 o'clock tommorow afternoon, the arrangements being in the hands of T S. Burstow.