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The art of weaving tartan
News Story
Tartan is one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. With historical roots in the display culture of medieval Gaelic society, this living tradition has constantly evolved to suit the social and cultural landscapes of the moment.
Textiles are a major industry in Scotland. From small batch producers to large commercial mills, how do different mills approach the production of the nation’s most recognisable cloth?
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The evolving craft of kilt making
In contemporary Scotland, kiltmaking remains a rich and varied industry. How are different makers bringing their own styles, methods, and meanings to the craft?
Cloth of identity: designing tartan
Tartan has always been a cloth of identity. Its grid can be used to tell all manner of stories. How are today’s designers crafting these stories?
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For hire: making Highland dress more accessible
The suit of Highland dress acquired from Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, Edinburgh, captures the company’s distinct approach to Highland wear for hire. The hire package centres on the ‘John Muir Way’ tartan. This pattern was designed by, and… - Discover
From computer screen to finished fabric: ‘Hame’ tartan
National Museums Scotland holds an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century tartan swatches and design ephemera. In the past, it was usual for tartan manufacturers to design patterns using gridded paper, coloured pencils, inks,… - Discover
The evolving craft of kilt making
Tartan is one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. With historical roots in the display culture of medieval Gaelic society, this living tradition has constantly evolved to suit the social and cultural landscapes of the moment.In…