Letter & tartan sample, associated with William Wilson & Sons, Bannockburn, near Stirling

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This letter, addressed to William Wilson & Sons of Bannockburn near Stirling, is an order for supplying lengths of tartan as per the attached sample. The letter dates from between the late 18th and mid 19th century.

The pencil inscription above the letter reads, 'Stewart'.

Today's distinctive clan patterns do not have a long history. They were created in the 19th century when tartan was revived and adopted as the national dress by Highlanders and Lowlanders alike.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-894-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.TTC 3.1 - 39
• Date: Between the late 18th and mid 19th century
  
• Material: Tartan
  Letter
  
• Dimensions: 416 mm H x 295 mm W
  
• What: Letter
  
• Subject: Costume - tartan - Wilson of Bannockburn (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Wilson of Bannockburn, Bannockburn (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Bannockburn
  
• Event:
• Description: 39 letters with accompanying pieces of clan tartans or drawings of setts, sent to Messrs Wilson of Bannockburn as orders
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni (ed). The Wealth of a Nation. Edinburgh & Glasgow: NMS & Drew, 1989, pp 173-4. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: