Wilsons of Bannockburn Colors

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Wilsons of Bannockburn was an historic weaver of tartan cloth, in operation from the 1760s through to the early 20th century. They were the first large scale commercial producers of tartan material, and have the distinction of being the first manufacturers to standardize their color palette (by the 1780s).

Thanks to much research by Peter MacDonald, we are able to recreate those colors today.

Most of the kilts I make are in custom woven cloth, and I like to use these historic colors whenever possible. Often when talking with my clients, the question is asked, "What will my tartan look like in the Wilsons colors?"

Not being stocked by any woolen mill, it is not as simple as ordering a swatch. Unless I have had that particular tartan woven before, I won't have an example at hand. But the next best thing is to look at yarn samples to get an idea.

I recently received sample yarns of the colors commonly used in the Wilsons color palette.


In addition, I have scanned samples of various tartans I have had woven in Wilsons colors over the years, which will also serve to give an idea of what tartans in this color scheme look like. I hope this album is helpful to any who are considering a custom weave for their next kilt!

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/101711...22760825771201