A question about Hamilton tartan

[Wareyin]

There is ample evidence for the existence of the Buchanan tartan pre-1850.; have a read of this.

Thanks for that! The earliest mention I had been aware of was the 1850 book 'The Clan and Family Tartans of Scotland' by W and A Smith of Mauchline, from the tartan registry.

[Thekiltedmohawk]

A great many possibly the majority of commonly seen/worn clan tartans existed before 1842 but they certainly weren't designed by their ancestors.

So, how do one come up with a design idea for a tartan? Do they use colors to symbolize what environment their clans were living in, professional trades, or atleast was it random?

[figheadair]

So, how do one come up with a design idea for a tartan? Do they use colors to symbolize what environment their clans were living in, professional trades, or atleast was it random?

The rather depends on what time period you are referring to. The way tartans were designed in the 18th century was quite different to the way many are designed today. Historically there was no symbolism in designs, they were variations on tradional themes with the colours dependent on what was available, desired or could be afforded.

[Thekiltedmohawk]

The rather depends on what time period you are referring to. The way tartans were designed in the 18th century was quite different to the way many are designed today. Historically there was no symbolism in designs, they were variations on tradional themes with the colours dependent on what was available, desired or could be afforded.

Thanks for sharing that one. I wonder which one was most expensive?

[figheadair]

Thanks for sharing that one. I wonder which one was most expensive?

The one with the most and best quality red, by which I mean an individual length of cloth and not the design per se.