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Article: How a 12-year-old's maritime adventure led to an outdoor goods empire spanning 160 years
- Article from:
- The Scotsman
- Article date:
- October 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Scotsman. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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THE Blacks of Greenock empire began in 1848 when founder Thomas
Black set out for a life of adventure on the high seas at the tender
age of 12. He fought pirates in the Greek Archipelago and later
spent two years digging for gold in Australia.
But it was his valuable sail-making skills which set him on the
road to success.
In 1861, he set up a sail-making business in Greenock on the
Clyde.
But with the advent of steam shipping, his son persuaded him to
try tent-making.
In 1905, Thomas Jnr took over the company after his father's
death. Notable early commissions included a canvas hangar for the
army's first dirigible airship, as well as hospital marquees, bell
tents and ambulance covers ...