Tartan is an enormously popular pattern in modern fashion. Beginning as Highland dress, it was originally peculiar to certain areas of Scotland, but is now generally accepted as its national costume: what was once ordinary working clothing of a distinctive local style has been formalised into a ceremonial dress, with tartans once woven according to the fancy of those who wore them becoming fixed with certain patterns prescribed for different families, areas or institutions. This process was not, as is popularly thought, a phenomenon begun by the romantic novels of Sir Walter Scott, but began long before as a reaction to the union with England in 1707. This book traces not only the early stages of that evolution, but the process by which the various tartans became icons of Scottish identity.

Tartan is an enormously popular pattern in modern fashion. Beginning as Highland dress, it was originally peculiar to certain areas of Scotland, but is now generally accepted as its national costume: what was once ordinary working clothing of a distinctive local style has been formalised into a ceremonial dress, with tartans once woven according to the fancy of those who wore them becoming fixed with certain patterns prescribed for different families, areas or institutions. This process was not, as is popularly thought, a phenomenon begun by the romantic novels of Sir Walter Scott, but began long before as a reaction to the union with England in 1707. This book traces not only the early stages of that evolution, but the process by which the various tartans became icons of Scottish identity.

Draws together contributions from the leading researchers to provide a contemporary evaluation of tartan and tartanry.

"Hugh Cheape, Head of the Scottish Material Culture Research Centre at the National Museums of Scotland, explores the story of tartan from the medieval love of display to the Victorian invention of exclusive clan identity. With the spotlight also thrown on Bonnie Prince Charlie's kilt and 'ancient' tartans, the history of the Highlands and its society is brought vividly to life. A revised edition of a classic text, this book contains a full-colour section on clan tartans, with useful historical information to find our more about your own tartan, and family history and genealogy."--BOOK JACKET.

This book contains complete instructions for making a traditional Scottish kilt from either tartan or self-color fabric. Over 200 line drawings illustrate every step.The book is spiral-bound so the open book lies flat for easy reference during sewing.