different versions of tartans

**Johnston** · 7th January 17, 07:40 PM

I recently (ok-it was a year ago I think), spoke to a fellow Johnston who is quite knowledgeable on the history of our clan and he told me about a few other versions of our tartan that I should look into. They were the "muted" and "weathered" versions. I looked them up and they are indeed amazing. I love them both, especially the weathered. My question is how did these other versions come about? Some make sense, but others (there is a black and orange Johnston tartan!) don't make sense. I assume other clan's tartans have similar versions as well.

Thanks!

AJ

**neloon** · 8th January 17, 04:38 AM

The muted/weathered/reproduction tartans came on the scene in (roughly) the 1940s. It was put about that, since pieces of tartan dug up from bogs were always in drab colours, that must have been the way the old Highlanders liked them.

Obviously this is nonsense but it made for extra sales so weavers encouraged the myth.
Alan

**Johnston** · 8th January 17, 05:44 AM

I can see that, but what about the more bizarre versions, like the orange and black johnston tartan, for example? I suppose, in this day and age of greed, someone could say "hey--lets take this, and make it those colors, and see what happens" but I dunno. The hunting, and muted, and ancient and weathered all have some form of the same colors in them, but orange and black?

AJ

**Balaamsass51** · 8th January 17, 05:58 AM

Name of Tartan:Johnston Orange/Black (Corporate)
ITI Number:5307
Category:American Corporate
Designer / Source:Atlas Textile Co.
Date:1945
Slog

KO:WOK
Colour Sequence

KOKOKOW

Notes:This black & orange variation of Johnston was used commercially ca. 1945 to 1965 by Atlas Asbestos Co. ( Atlas Textile Co.,) of North Wales. PA, USA. Owned by a Johnston family who modified the ink on printing plates when the "company colours" of orange and black were adopted.
Who weaves this Tartan?Johnston Orange/Black (Corporate)click to zoom

Consider joining the Scottish Tartan Authority. Lots of information.
Enjoy your new kilt whatever tartan you decide on.

Matt

**Johnston** · 8th January 17, 07:22 AM

huh--interesting. Black and orange were my kid's school colors up until we moved a few months ago. coulda gotten one for school functions.

so, it suppose I could make my own Johnston tartan too mebbe...

AJ