Local photographer H. Robins Hollyday took a number of pictures of Oxford, Maryland’s Premier Sailmaker Downes Curtis and his brother Albert. Downes learned sailmaking from working with English Sailmaker Dave Pritchett who moved to Oxford and died in 1936. The brothers made and repaired sails for over 50 years in a loft on Tilghman Street in Oxford. Downes Curtis died in 1996 at 85 years of age. Facts: “encoresustainablearchitects.com” “The Sail Artist” April 15, 2021. Photo from the Talbot Historical Society’s H. Robins Hollyday Collection. Contact: Cathy Hill [email protected] to share your old photos and purchase our collections photos. Comment, Like our page and join the Talbot Historical Society!
Kristen Greenaway says
Their sewing machine and one of their sails is in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s new Welcome Center.
Danna M.Murden says
Mr.Downes and Mr.Albert were wonderful gentlemen. I spent a lot of time in their loft with my father when he was having sails made or repaired for his Skipjacks. Again wonderful gentleman who truly knew their craft.