Stiff cart made for Mr Corkhill, farmer of German
Date made: c1900
Maker: Kelly, John James; Kennaugh, John
Description: This stiff cart was made for Mr Thomas Corkill, a farmer of Ballagarraghyn, Kirk German, circa 1900 by John James Kelly, a joiner of Ballig Bridge, and John Kennaugh, Blacksmith of Ballacraine.
The stiffcart is complete with sideboards, tailboards, and kicker. It has an owner's plate on each side reading 'T.F. Corkhill No.1 Malew' in white letters on a black background. The remains of its last coat of red lead paint are still visible, now faded to a pinkish orange colour.
A cart such as this would have been a major investment, but also the workhorse of a farm, undertaking a variety of roles in transporting crops or feed. It represents the fusion of two very important rural trades: the joiner and the blacksmith. Agricultural vehicles often exhibit strong regional variations, and subtle differences make this type of cart unique to the Isle of Man.
Materials: iron, paint/oil, wood
Object name: cart
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1959-0357