Is Standardization of a Clans' Tartan Fabric Important or Not?

[Tobus]

Should clans recommend, sanction, or recognize any particular mill as providing a clan standard?

Should they? No! I wouldn't want to imagine a future where a clan chief recognises only one particular tartan motif for his clan, and everyone wears a kilt that looks the exact same as if they were a pipe band. Part of the joy of wearing a clan tartan is that it is recognisable as being that clan's tartan, but allows individual expression. I always love seeing photos of clan gatherings where there is a wide variety of colour differences, sett sizes, and of course kilt construction differences that make each wearer's kilt unique to him.

[bodhran4me]

I recall years ago looking at the Colquhoun website for 'recognized' tartans as I wanted to have a kilt made from Dalgliesh's reproduction tartan. At that time the Colquhoun Chief stated on the website that the modern and ancient tartans were the only ones recognized but did not make any mention of different mills. Since that time , the website has changed significantly . One of the changes is that there is no mention of 'recognized ' tartans and his wife is pictured wearing the reproduction colours.



I guess, even if you do standardise something, standards change.

[Braw Cathairneach]

The topic was being researched as it was brought to my attention as the clan web guy to set the matter straight for new members. Your collective SME is thoughtful and rational. The technical, historical, and human nature aspects of your collective rational shows that it is imprudent to attempt standardization. I've learned something from all'ya'all. Now I ha'e some corrective action to contemplate and implement. Thank all of you for your time and SME.

[Steve Ashton]

Excuse me, but what is SME?

[Braw Cathairneach]

Excuse me, but what is SME?

My apologies for using the acronym SME. SME is subject matter expertise.

[jhockin]

Excuse me, but what is SME?

One website, of acronyms, suggests “Subject-matter expert” , might be the implied meaning. ( though it also gives numerous other possibilities. I DO wish folks would define the acronym they use).

[OC Richard]

Knew about SMLE, not SME

My impression has long been that the exact proportions of the various stripes the interpretation of the colours were at the discretion of the weaver.

With the same tartan you'll see versions where the spaces look more spacious and the over-stripes look more delicate, others where the thinner stripes are thicker giving a blocky look.

And "green" might be a deep bottle green, or a soft moss green.

However, there has been a thing happening with tartan designs recently where that traditional practice hasn't been followed.

The first time I remember encountering it was with the tartan Flower Of Scotland.

It's basically Gunn in Ancient Colours with one narrow stripe moved. But AFAIK the Ancient colouring (lighter colours) was specified and required of the Flower Of Scotland tartan- in other words there could be no "Flower Of Scotland Modern".

The same thing happened with the California tartan. It's Muir in Ancient Colours with minor changes. AFAIK California stipulates Ancient colours.

Then there's Isle Of Skye! A lovely tartan. Genius, in my opinion. It has three different greens. Change any or all of those greens and the tartan doesn't work as it's designed to.

In the worlds of corporations, advertising, and American universities quite specific colours are often specified and tartans pertaining to such entities likewise have to have specific colours, for example IrnBru requiring specific shades of orange and blue. Ten different US Universities might wear red, each University's precise colour of red considered crucial and is maintained on all uniforms, apparel, insignia, signage, etc. Tartans designed for these Universities would be required to be each one's exact shade of red. (Pantone is a popular way for organisations, printers, clothing manufacturers etc to maintain exactly the same colour.)

It wouldn't surprise me if someone coming from one of those cultures might think that Clan tartans would likewise stipulate specific colours.

[Steve Ashton]

"It wouldn't surprise me if someone coming from one of those cultures might think that Clan tartans would likewise stipulate specific colours."

WHAT? they don't? You mean the guy at the clan tent lied to me? But he had a sword and a bonnet and everything.

He was demonstrating how "the whole nine yards" of single width modern fabric could be used as a blanket just like it was done at before battle of so he must be an expert, right?

[Mike S]

Knew about SMLE, not SME

Speaking of, I own about a dozen SMLE's (MkIII's and No. 4s and 5s), and I'm an SME on the subject.