An early Victorian outfit

[figheadair]

This fascinating early photograph shows John Francis Campbell of Islay taken by David Octavius Hill & Robertson Adamson c.1843-47. An extraordinary man, Campbell apparently spoke nine languages.



What's particularly interesting about this early Victorian Highland Dress is the apparent lack of tartan: the kilt is made from a plaid that looks to be plain cloth with a selvedge design, black and white diced waistcoat (large Shepheard Check) and knitted diced hose. The sporran looks like a full otter or possibly pine martin pelt.

[Steve Ashton]

And a huge purled fringe on the apron.

[The Q]

It actually looks like blanket material (which may well be appropriate), I certainly remember blankets with a double coloured band at the ends and the odd white line running through the grey /brown mottled appearance of the blanket.

Whilst not taking away from being a clever man, it you are brought up with speaking more than one language it is easier to learn others. My brother has half a dozen languages, a consequence of English and Gàidhlig speaking as a child..

[OC Richard]

[jesuisprest]

Wow! This is an incredible photo, Peter. Thanks for sharing it. Is this a recent discovery? Was it a common practice to taking existing plaid cloth and fashion it into a kilt in the highland revival period?

Thanks.
Adam