Early-To-Mid Victorian Highland Wear

[Woodsheal]

The MacLeay portraits are probably the best look at Victorian-era highland dress:
http://www.tartansauthority.com/reso...leay-portraits

[JSFMACLJR]

The MacLeay portraits are probably the best look at Victorian-era highland dress:
http://www.tartansauthority.com/reso...leay-portraits

But surely you don't think shop-keepers dressed like the subjects of MacLeay's portraits?

[Woodsheal]

But surely you don't think shop-keepers dressed like the subjects of MacLeay's portraits?

Of course not, but I think the OP is interested in proper attire of the period, in order to put together sort of a 'fantasy' kilted civilian outfit that would fit in with the Dickens fest.

Something like this fellow:

[ThistleDown]

Of course not, but I think the OP is interested in proper attire of the period, in order to put together sort of a 'fantasy' kilted civilian outfit that would fit in with the Dickens fest.

Something like this fellow:

Perhaps we should ask RadioKen to step in here and tell us whether he wants to dress as a Highland shopkeeper of the period, or as something else. It was my understanding that he wanted the former and, if so, I can assure him that there was no shopkeeper in the Highlands wealthy enough to wear what that chap above is wearing.

[Jock Scot]

Perhaps we should ask RadioKen to step in here and tell us whether he wants to dress as a Highland shopkeeper of the period, or as something else. It was my understanding that he wanted the former and, if so, I can assure him that there was no shopkeeper in the Highlands wealthy enough to wear what that chap above is wearing.

Rightly or wrongly, I have always thought the chap in that picture, was Prince Albert.

[Brian K]

Rightly or wrongly, I have always thought the chap in that picture, was Prince Albert.

I just looked at the portraits in question and that is John Brown's younger brother Archibald Anderson Brown, who was valet to Prince Leopold. In the notes for the portrait of his brother it is said that the Queen wanted the artist to make him look better than he did in life as a way of responding to the acerbic remarks about him that were attributed to others in her family. Perhaps the same treatment was given to the younger Brown, hence the princely appearance.

[Jock Scot]

I just looked at the portraits in question and that is John Brown's younger brother Archibald Anderson Brown, who was valet to Prince Leopold. In the notes for the portrait of his brother it is said that the Queen wanted the artist to make him look better than he did in life as a way of responding to the acerbic remarks about him that were attributed to others in her family. Perhaps the same treatment was given to the younger Brown, hence the princely appearance.

Ah, thank you. Hardly a shop keeper then, and mention of condoned "artistic adjustments" too. Also that does look a wee bit like the Balmoral tartan. You chaps are a mine of information, I am impressed.

[Woodsheal]

Perhaps we should ask RadioKen to step in here and tell us whether he wants to dress as a Highland shopkeeper of the period, or as something else. It was my understanding that he wanted the former and, if so, I can assure him that there was no shopkeeper in the Highlands wealthy enough to wear what that chap above is wearing.

If Ken is indeed seeking NON-kilted authenticity (aside: then why bring it up in a kilt forum?!), affordable period dress can be had here:


http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg11b.html

And here:

http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/me...n_clothing.php

[ThistleDown]

If Ken is indeed seeking NON-kilted authenticity (aside: then why bring it up in a kilt forum?!), affordable period dress can be had here:


http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg11b.html

And here:

http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/me...n_clothing.php

Great costume sources, Woodsheal! Super.

We will have to wait for RadioKen to step in here and confirm for us what he was really looking for, but I suspect he was under the misconception that the kilt was worn by shopkeepers (and merchants) in Highland towns in the period and was seeking advice on how to be as authentic with this as possible. Now he knows that the kilt was not worn by this poorest of the merchant class he can choose to still wear it, or not. He can even wear a kilt, a top hat and carry a big sword. It's up to him how fanciful he wants to be, but I think you will agree that it's always a good idea to start out knowing what is authentic and what is fiction.

[Zardoz]

I think the OP is interested in proper attire of the period, in order to put together sort of a 'fantasy' kilted civilian outfit that would fit in with the Dickens fest.

That was certainly my take on Ken's question. While there is always the chance I'm off base on this, I took it as given that he wanted to use a kilt in his garb since he posted it on a KILT forum.

Ken is a vendor at the fest, and the organizers require vendors and all others working in the booths to be dressed in Victorian period costumes. Most male merchants over the years seem to have adopted a pretty standard simple costume of white shirt, dark vest and pants, and some kind of hat. The creative ones will simulate or wear plus fours (knickers) with some soccer socks. So I think a kilt would really help Ken to stand out in that crowd a little bit, which as a vendor is a good thing, last time I checked.