The history of ‘Buckby’ watercans
Often seen on the top of narrowboats these decorative, metal water-carriers are sometimes referred to as ‘Buckby’ watercans. The name ‘Buckby’ comes from the canalside village of Long Buckby Wharf, Northamptonshire. However, the Buckby label is a 20th Century addition, and came about because of the canal artist Matilda Woodhouse. Matlida, was orphaned at an early age and lived with her aunt and uncle at the wharf initially running the New Inn, before opening a wharf side shop. Matilda’s watercans were sold in her uncle’s canalside shop. Therefore, calling these cans Buckby cans is a very recent addition to canal folklore.
Decorated watercans on canal boats did though, predate Matilda. In 1858 a journalist described a painted watercan, however, they were probably in use long before this. Back then the watercans carried the water supply for those onboard. Of course, today’s leisure narrowboats don’t need watercans for their water supply. But, these highly decorated pieces of art, in different sizes, do act as reminder of the long social history of English working canals.
Watercan sizes
Whereas the carrying boats would have used 2 or 3 gallon watercans for their water I paint a wide range of different sizes. After all, not everyone has room for a 3 gallon can. Therefore, I try and keep a variety of cans in stock, usually ranging from small 1 pint and 2 pint cans, half gallon and 3 gallon. So, do drop me a message to find out the sizes I currently have.
Larger ‘Buckby’ watercans
Larger watercans make a real statement, they include a castle panel, large sections of decoration plus an inscription. Consequently, it is not surprising these larger cans have found homes around the globe; from Australia to Norway, and Switzerland to the west coast of the USA. They include a traditional castle scene and personalisation. Obviously, you don’t need a boat to own a watercan, my cans have found their homes in gardens, inglenook fireplaces and kitchen tables.
Repaints and restoration
Nowadays it is hard to buy watercans, as a result I am more than happy to repaint or restore your own watercan. Because watercans are metal and left outside, the constant expansion and contraction of the metal will, over time, cause the paint to lift. In the past I have totally stripped cans to repaint them, or undertaken minor restoration work. Unfortunately, once the paint has begun to lift it is very hard to preserve old paintwork. Contact me for more details.
Below, is a one gallon watercan that came to me for a full repaint. My customer wanted the painting to be as close to the original as possible.
Painted by Ron Hough the watercan below came to me with peeling paint on the top. I repainted the top section and re-finished the rest of the can.
To order
To order, simply contact me via email, Facebook, or Instagram, I usually respond within a couple of hours. I prefer payment by BACS transfer. Additionally, for larger cans I may require a deposit before beginning work.
Please note: full payment is due within 7 days of painting being completed. After this time additional charges are applied. Items can be collected by prior arrangement or posted at extra cost.
Recent watercans
Below are photographs of recent Buckby cans I have painted. Finally, please do check my Instagram feed (also on my home page) for my latest work.
