1 kilt 10 looks: John Burgess

[OC Richard]

Well not quite, but you get the idea.

I was looking over the various threads about the distinctive attire of Pipe Major John Burgess, and I couldn't help notice that he was usually wearing a Ross Hunting kilt (either Modern, or Ancient).

Though there have been many Burgess threads, I thought it would be nice to gather on one post a number of different "looks".

Plain dress (or about as plain as he goes... look at that fantastic sporran!)



In relatively restrained Evening dress, with matching tartan waistcoat, another amazing sporran, fantastic hose, red laces, and whisky!



Here with a red waistcoat, red-trimmed doublet, and lovely vintage-looking buckle and brooch, the finery has been stepped up a notch



Fancier yet: this looks to be the same doublet, buttoned up, and worn with lace jabot. I love that fluffy Angora sporran



And the ultimate, a matching tartan doublet. Note the large oval buckle on this photo and on the one above.



Ross Hunting Modern:



Ross Hunting Ancient:

[ASinclair]

"Distinctive attire" indeed. Thanks for pulling these together Richard. This is my favorite.

. . .

In relatively restrained Evening dress, with matching tartan waistcoat, another amazing sporran, fantastic hose, red laces, and whisky!


. . . .

[Profane James]

"Distinctive attire" indeed. Thanks for pulling these together Richard. This is my favorite.

I agree, looks ready to rip!

[Jock Scot]

John Burgess was a sharp dresser for sure and by all accounts a fun chap to be with, but we do need to bear in mind that he was a consummate showman and as such some of his attire edged towards----- into even--- the theatrical, therefore care needs to be taken when making one's own attire choices if one is using him for guidance.

[jfraser]

Those who are interested in other photos and finding out more about this outstanding piper, might like to look at the following web site.

http://www.pmjohndburgess.net/others.html

Surely, his attire can only be matched by his piping ability. One of my all time top pipers.

You can see the military influence on how he wears the kilt etc.

[OC Richard]

John Burgess was a sharp dresser for sure and by all accounts a fun chap to be with, but we do need to bear in mind that he was a consummate showman and as such some of his attire edged towards----- into even--- the theatrical, therefore care needs to be taken when making one's own attire choices if one is using him for guidance.

Yes indeed. And Gordon Walker is the present-day equivalent.

These men, one could say, earned the right to dress as they please, with their musical accomplishments. If a mediocre piper were to show up dressed in tartan from head to toe, with dirk and powder-horn, "the piping community" would have a different view of their dress!

Though I will point out that PM Burgess' dress in the top photo, with charcoal-grey tweed jacket, plain hose, and Hunting sporran, is hardly flamboyant. I couldn't imagine anyone going wrong in using that photo as guidance for their attire choices. (You'll pay a pretty penny for the sporran!) Yes one might object to the Glengarry and Ghillies but these are nearly universal amongst pipers, and are viewed as being quite ordinary in the piping community.

[Jock Scot]

Yes indeed. And Gordon Walker is the present-day equivalent.

These men, one could say, earned the right to dress as they please, with their musical accomplishments. If a mediocre piper were to show up dressed in tartan from head to toe, with dirk and powder-horn, "the piping community" would have a different view of their dress!

I am the last person to deny anyone the right to dress as they please, I might venture an opinion to myself, or if asked, I might or might not, choose to voice that opinion.

You know who PM Burgess and PM Walker was/are, many in the piping world will, I even know who these gentlemen were/are and I have no interest in the piping scene, but I venture to suggest that most in the kilt world don't, particularly the newcomers. Therefore showing pictures of exquisitely attired pipers do need to come with explanations, so that those who do not know the circumstance of the subject in the picture and reasons for dressing the way that they are is misleading and more often than not, unhelpful.

[Spartan Tartan]

And the ultimate, a matching tartan doublet. Note the large oval buckle on this photo and on the one above.

Jock,
Are you suggesting that perhaps this outfit should be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak, and not so literally? Please advise, I was looking to piece this very outfit together for next Tuesday. You know, because it's the celebration of the day after Monday!

(Please, do not miss the sarcasm. I'm sure some would in fact take this single picture as justification for "how it was/is done")

[Jock Scot]

Jock,
Are you suggesting that perhaps this outfit should be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak, and not so literally? Please advise, I was looking to piece this very outfit together for next Tuesday. You know, because it's the celebration of the day after Monday!

(Please, do not miss the sarcasm. I'm sure some would in fact take this single picture as justification for "how it was/is done")

You take my point exactly as I intended. Internet pictures-----even ones as stunning as the example given---- should all carry explanations , particularly when kilt attire is involved!

[OC Richard]

Here's a fellow probably around 1870 wearing checkerboard hose like Burgess'