The Title of "Master Kiltmaker"

[Ayin McFye]

his true name is Thomas, can't find a last name.
.

His name is Thomas O'Shea

[macwilkin]

Perhaps someone should send this URL to Brian Wilton at the STA and the Lyon Court and/or the College of Arms (regarding his coat-of-arms)?

Todd

[Phil]

Unless there is a recognised trade incorporation such as plumbers, bakers or joiners where the title "Master" is obtained by serving an apprenticeship and also nowadays combined with some college training, anyone can give themselves that title. This particular gentleman seems to be an Irishman who has started started up a kilt-making business after leaving the army. His prices are certainly pretty eye-watering. I would suggest that anyone seeking a kilt here goes by the recommendations of existing members who can vouch for a kiltmaker from personal experience and reputation.

[Ayin McFye]

For those that live in London, they used to be called "Treble Clef Designs - The Kilt Makers"

East Yard
Camden Lock Market
Chalk Farm Road
Camden
London

Anyone ever been there, or purchased a kilt under that name?

[ForresterModern]

Yeah, whoever dressed these models needs a few simple lessons in traditional highland dress---sporrans askew, love the way the ghillie brogue laces are tied up to their knees on some of them, and I think if I were going somewhere in a PC I would probably shave first.

But how come nobody but me noticed all the sweet looking babes on the guys home page? Kilts on the brain or what?

[The Barry]

Something about this site (not to mention the prices) puts up my red flag detector as well.

[The Wizard of BC]

Let's take this thread back to the question of what makes a "Master Kiltmaker".

In the days when the Crafts we passed own orally from one generation to the next Guilds were the way of life. They we the university's, the schools, of their day. This was because most people could not read, could not do even simple arithmetic, and Technology, as we know it today, was in it's infancy.
These Guilds also served sort of like Trade Unions in that they set the standards of work, the standard wage, and kept down foreign competition.

So how do you learn a trade when you can't read?
The system that was used involved a young person being "Apprenticed" to a trade. During their years as apprentice they were learning all the behind the scenes stuff that make up the trade. The first thing they had to learn was the "Secret Language". Now, before anybody gets upset here I'm not talking about any real secret stuff I'm just talking about the special words and language that each trade developed. We still use many of these words today but don't remember that once they were the sole use of a particular trade. If your last name is Fuller then there is a good chance your ancestors made their living by stomping barefooted in vats of urine, treating Wool to prevent shrinkage, and to prepare it for dyeing and spinning. In the Kilt world we use terms like Sett, Fell, and Steeking which come down to us from the days when you learned your craft orally from someone else and not a book.
I equate "Apprentice" to "Student".

Then when the person knew the trade, knew the language, and could do the job they became a "Journeyman". This is sort of like and "Independant" Tradesperson. One who could open a shop and perform the trade on their own. This person was fully capable of doing the job as an independant or hiring out to others if they want.

At some point in their career, some journymen decide that they wish to open their own school and take on students of their own.
The first thing they do is submit a "Masters Piece" of their work to the guild. If accepted by the guild the person could open their school and would become known as "Master". Sort of how we today still refer to the head of a school as "Head Master".

So, a Master Kiltmaker would be one who runs a trade school.
Let me make an analogy. Barb Tewksbury is the finest craftsperson I have ever seen. There is not one single visable stitch in one of her Kilts. The Tartan pattern is aligned to less than one yarn and her Kilts will last for years and still look and hang and swish just as on the day they were made.
But is Barb a Master Kiltmaker?
She has written what we refer to as the bible of Traditional Kiltmaking. It is our school. Our apprentiship if we wish. And Barb teaches Kiltmaking all the time. She is one of the most selfless teachers I have ever met.
But she already has a career. She is a Master Geologist. She does not have time to open a Kiltmaking school and I'm not sure she would even want to.
So, no, by the guild system we would not call her a Master. (But everyone knows she is.)

Am I a Master Kiltmaker? Well, I have taken on employees and had to teach them almost everything about how to make Kilts. I teach all the time. I teach at Kilt Kamp and I teach almost every day in my shop. The customers who come in are usually just as full of questions as each of us here on X Marks once had. So does that make me a Master?
No, I'm afraid not. Oh, I wish I could hang out a sign that said "Master Kiltmaker" but the only reason to do so would be for the ego boost to myself.

To wrap-up here is what I would suggest as the terms we would use.

Student Kiltmaker - One who is learning the craft. Probably working for somone else or who would need to consult with someone else on a difficult Tartan or problem.

Independant Kiltmaker - A Kiltmaker who has their own businees or shop. Someone who can make any Kilt any time for anyone.

Master Kiltmaker - A Kiltmaker who is now primarily a school teacher. Who runs a school and teaches one style or type of Kilt.

[Bugbear]

So you probably would have a difficult time having a kilt made by a Master Kilt Maker?

[Spc. Scott]

So you probably would have a difficult time having a kilt made by a Master Kilt Maker?

My guess is yes. Too busy with the teaching by the sounds of it.

[Ayin McFye]

I think that just because someone masters a trade or skill doesn't mean they no longer use it on a very regular basis, possibilly even for a living.

I'm going to use a different analogy.

In Medieval times, there were knights, however one did not start as a knight. One had to also go through a period of learning, servitude, and so on. Early on in their life they served as pages, then eventually squired to an existing knight, and eventually became a knight or Master in their field, usually because all the other knights and/or king agreed they were worthy, and had been recognized.

Now a knight didn't stop fighting or stop living as a knight, just because they reached the rank of knight. They had a whole new set of jobs to perform after they'd be knighted. Everything from defend the kingdom, to taking on squires and teaching them the way of the knight.

I do agree with your assessment that a master much teach and pass on what they know, however because they are masters, they have the ability to do both teach and perform their skill on a regular basis.

I'm not saying that your wrong, I'm just respectfully disagreeing. You are more of an authority on the subject of kilts than I am.