A better setting for the Murray of Atholl

[figheadair]

I did notice that the plaids were not the same as the kilts (almost appeared to be a muted or Wilson's colors...I guess they are Wilson's...just not reproduction!) I also noted quite a bit of variation between the plaids even...at the outset I assumed that it might have something to do with the individual's tenure in the unit (like you can tell a seasoned US paratrooper by his faded maroon beret), but now I know that it's not fading from 30 years of wear, rather, possibly, 170+ years! Talk about tradition and lineage!

The plaids are definitely original WoB material. The reason that a lot of them look faded is that in many the blue is a purplish hue due to having been dyed with Logwood rather than indigo. Logwood was cheaper but far less colour fast. It looks as though the plaids were a job lot so to speak and I bet the Duke of the time had no idea that they'd still be around some 170 years later.

I have a picture of four plaids all in the same sett size but each using different shades blue and green making some fascinating visual variations.

I know Bob Martin told me once that he would sometimes order a tartan in the "ancient" colors from Dalgleish but request that they use a "modern" red for the stripes such as this. He said it had a very pleasing effect. I've been half tempted to try it out on an Armstrong kilt for myself -- like I need another one!

I'm honored that you think I would! However, I have no idea. I'd be willing to wager, though, that when the order was put in for the cloth they had a detailed conversation with whatever mill took the order over the specific color shades they desired.

I think that the modern kilts are either Dalgliesh or HoE cloth. They are clearly based on one of the Wilsons' pieces, the sett size is the same as are most of the colours but these modern kilts use a shade of blue that I haven't found amongst the surviving WoB pieces and in fact is not a Wilsons' shade.

What makes the WoB setting particularly attractive are the broad stripes which was a common feature in a lot of early Wilsons' pieces compared with what's woven today. Their Urquhart is another tartan that is so much better with a broader stripe.

[creagdhubh]

The plaids are definitely original WoB material. The reason that a lot of them look faded is that in many the blue is a purplish hue due to having been dyed with Logwood rather than indigo. Logwood was cheaper but far less colour fast. It looks as though the plaids were a job lot so to speak and I bet the Duke of the time had no idea that they'd still be around some 170 years later.

I have a picture of four plaids all in the same sett size but each using different shades blue and green making some fascinating visual variations.



I think that the modern kilts are either Dalgliesh or HoE cloth. They are clearly based on one of the Wilsons' pieces, the sett size is the same as are most of the colours but these modern kilts use a shade of blue that I haven't found amongst the surviving WoB pieces and in fact is not a Wilsons' shade.

What makes the WoB setting particularly attractive are the broad stripes which was a common feature in a lot of early Wilsons' pieces compared with what's woven today. Their Urquhart is another tartan that is so much better with a broader stripe.

Good information...makes complete sense, thanks for sharing mate!

Cordially,

[davidlpope]

The plaids are definitely original WoB material.

I have a picture of four plaids all in the same sett size but each using different shades blue and green making some fascinating visual variations.

Peter,

Would you please post this photo? I'd love to be able to see the differences you're noting. Thanks.

David