Fabrics & Papers

Tartan Fabrics

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Tartan, as we know it today, is not thought to have existed in Scotland before the 16th century. By the late 16th century there are numerous references to striped or checkered plaids. It is not until the late 17th or early 18th century that any kind uniformity in tartan is thought to have occurred. For many centuries, the patterns were loosely associated with the weavers of a particular area, though it was common for highlanders to wear a number of different tartans at the same time. The popularity of tartan was greatly increased by the royal visit of George IV to Edinburgh in 1822. George IV was the first reigning monarch to visit Scotland in 171 years. The naming and registration of official clan tartans began on April 8, 1815, when the Highland Society of London (founded 1778) resolved that all the clan chiefs each "be respectfully solicited to furnish the Society with as Much of the Tartan of his Lordship's Clan as will serve to Show the Pattern and to Authenticate the Same by Attaching Thereunto a Card bearing the Impression of his Lordship's Arms." Many had no idea of what their tartan might be, but were keen to comply and to provide authentic signed and sealed samples.

Today tartan and "clan tartan" is an important part of a Scottish clan. Almost all Scottish clans have several tartans attributed to their name. Several clans have "official" tartans. Although it is possible for anyone to create a tartan and name it any name they wish, the only person with the authority to make a clan's tartan "official" is the chief. In some cases, following such recognition from the clan chief, the clan tartan is recorded and registered by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Once approved by the Lord Lyon, after recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Tartan, the clan tartan is then recorded in the Lyon Court Books. In at least one instance a clan tartan appears in the heraldry of a clan chief and is considered by the Lord Lyon as the "proper" tartan of the clan.

Interiors designers like Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Nina Campbell, have been using tartan for years. It is a great British classic, wonderfully unisex, as well as cosy and stylish. It now comes in many different colourways; bright scarlet, pinks and yellows as well as the classic blues, greens and reds.

We have an extensive collection of wool tartans suitable for curtains, upholstery and home furnishings. Our tartan wallpaper that you can browse through, are from Lewis & Wood and from the Vivienne Westwood collection for Cole&Son, based on her signature designs.

For just a subtle touch of plaid in your bedroom, or to complement an existing scheme in your living room, you will love our tartan cushions. The Carlton cushions are made from 100% wool tartan and backed with a rich plain velvet. The rest of the Tartan cushions are all made from 100% wool plaid by our bespoke service and you need to allow up to 2 weeks for delivery. The beautifully soft and warm blankets and also throws from Nina Campbell, are all made in Scotland from the finest wool.

So, wrap your home warm this winter and deck your halls.....