My Learning Source
Earlier this year my wife and I visited the City of Discovery, as it is often referred to in our wonderful country. Dundee. There are many fascinating attractions to enjoy in this city. Not least the V&A Museum there. The purpose of our visit was to experience an exibit now sadly completed. Tartan exhibition, at the V&A Museum.
Image: Tartan Exhibit Entrance - Photo taken by Fraser Paterson and used with kind permission from the V&A Museum, Dundee
Diplomacy
Tartan has long been used as a method of power. It has been worn by monarchs, aristocracy and even politicians!
In the 1500s the court of James V of Scotland wore tartan. As did Princess Diana, on public engagements in the 1980s.
Image: Bonnie Prince Charlie in Highland Dress - Photo taken by Fraser Paterson and used with kind permission from the V&A Museum, Dundee
In 1885, Princess Eugène of France wore tartan in meeting her hosts, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Consort Albert. Queen Victoria had a great liking for tartan. It also appealed to Prince Albert’s sense of style.
She also dressed her young son, Prince Imperial Louis Napoléon in Highland clothing.
Tartan remains a staple of the royal wardrobe today. Our present monarch King Charles III is a most enthusiastic fan.
Tartan and Identity
Tartan is a global textile that not only unites, but also divides. Supporters of the Scottish national football team are widely referred to as “the tartan army.”
Image credit: "Långholmen FC vs Tartan Army @ Östermalms IP" by pellesten is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
This textile is used to proclaim allegiance to kin, club, country, nation or state. Regardless of geographic location, tartan binds communities connected by sexuality work, and class.
Largely linked with Highland gentry, tartan has also been worn by centuries by workers in the pits, fields, or at sea. All of which binds them together through labour and hardship.
Since the earliest depictions of Gaels in Highland dress from the early 1600s, tartan has become a symbol of nationhood with international appeal.
In two days time my article will focus on Scotland’s world-famous poet and songwriter from the late 1700s, Robert – or Rabbie to us Scots - Burns.
You can read about clan routes and how tartan developed here.
I am certain you will find what is perhaps the best quality tartan shop in Edinburgh, ScotlandShop to your taste. They offer Clan Consultations, enabling you to identify your clan – if you don’t already know it! – and have a fantastic range of the textile that is sure to offer you options when purchasing a passionate treasure of your clan.
Fancy a 5% discount whether you buy online or in store? Quote reference FRASERTG
You can either drop into ScotlandShop at 10 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, arrange a Clan Consultation appointment in store or remotely, or they may even be able to come to you!
I hope you have enjoyed this article. Please feel free to buy me a coffee
Thank you!
Fraser Paterson
Freelance Tour Guide (warmer months) & writer (colder months)