HOS revisited: 1860s Day Dress

[figheadair]

Just the question I was going to pose to Matt! That is, could he estimate the amount of yardage. The pleats are smaller than on Matt's 4-yard boxpleated kilts, but larger than on 20th century military 8-yard boxpleated kilts.

Matt's are true box pleats whereas the C20th military ones, which the MOD calls box-pleats (Argylls and QOH), are a transitional box/knife with more depth on one side. In essence they are like a series of flattened hooks.

[MacMillans son]

I am in the process of having one jacket ordered, and am considering other style options. This gives me some new examples of cuffs, lapels etc to consider.

Thanks Richard!

[MacLowlife]

I have a (large format ) softcover edition of this book and it seems to be readily available online for about $25 delivered.

[artificer]

I just ordered my copy from the UK, 17GBP delivered. I couldn't find anything near to $22, but it's a heck of a lot better than the $85 from Abebooks!

[kennethrmc]

Thanks to OC for posting these, and to Matt N for pointing out the box pleats (which I did not notice until reading his post). These pictures are fun to look at and educational!

[Biathlonman]

These really are great - thanks for bringing them back. The artist has captured that stern Victorian look but also the ruddy Scottish complexion, which shows he saw the real thing. Funny how few have garter flashes, but how many have plant badges. That could use a revival I think. Great stuff.

[MacGuffin]

Thank you for the pics OCRichard, especially for their simplicity and elegance in terms of Highland fashion. I really like the sporrans these gents are sporting also.
I was wondering what the title of the book these pictures are from?

[MacGuffin]

I have always wondered if anybody during this time period made a sporran from the hair of the Highland cow (coo)?

[artificer]

Thank you for the pics OCRichard, especially for their simplicity and elegance in terms of Highland fashion. I really like the sporrans these gents are sporting also.
I was wondering what the title of the book these pictures are from?

I have always wondered if anybody during this time period made a sporran from the hair of the Highland cow (coo)?

The book is called:
The Highlanders of Scotland: The Complete Watercolours Commissioned by Queen Victoria from Kenneth MacLeay of her Scottish Retainers and Clansman

the author is Delia Millar.

As for a sporran made of highland cow, I'm sure most of the people out in the highlands at this time had a sporran made from whatever they could get their hands on, assuming they were still wearing highland dress.

You'll find, MacGuffin, that this book and topic is a bit of a sore spot for some native Highlanders. The people of the area have had a rather difficult time, financially AND politically over the centuries.

They tend to be rather frustrated (and rightfully so) when people interpret these images as "What the average Highland man wore" rather than "a group of Royal retainers depicted in all their finery by Royal request."

To hear these men speak of it. the answer to nearly every "What did the average Highlander wear for X (hose, kilt, jacket, et)?" the answer invariably is "whatever they could scratch together".

In short, just keep in mind that the men depicted are NOT average men simply going about their day. They are Royal staff or VERY well to do friends of the queen.

That said, the images are GORGEOUS, and an excellent record of the fashions the well-positioned could roll out in at the time.

ith:

[Jock Scot]

the book is called:
The highlanders of scotland: The complete watercolours commissioned by queen victoria from kenneth macleay of her scottish retainers and clansman

the author is delia millar.

As for a sporran made of highland cow, i'm sure most of the people out in the highlands at this time had a sporran made from whatever they could get their hands on, assuming they were still wearing highland dress.

You'll find, macguffin, that this book and topic is a bit of a sore spot for some native highlanders. The people of the area have had a rather difficult time, financially and politically over the centuries.

They tend to be rather frustrated (and rightfully so) when people interpret these images as "what the average highland man wore" rather than "a group of royal retainers depicted in all their finery by royal request."

to hear these men speak of it. The answer to nearly every "what did the average highlander wear for x (hose, kilt, jacket, et)?" the answer invariably is "whatever they could scratch together".

In short, just keep in mind that the men depicted are not average men simply going about their day. They are royal staff or very well to do friends of the queen.

That said, the images are gorgeous, and an excellent record of the fashions the well-positioned could roll out in at the time.

ith:

Thank you.