Good work, as always. It's nice for us all to be reminded just how little we really do know about the origins of many of these tartans, despite what we "think" we may know.
I zoomed in on the 1729 portrait of Viscount Dunblane and noticed what appears to be a "coxcomb" seam going up the rear of the Viscount's left leg on his truibhs. That detail also appeared on the hose in the 1680s portrait of Lord Mungo Murray. It is interesting to note that it may have continued in use into the 18th c. Is there any portrait evidence that Highland hose or truibhs continued to be constructed with this detail later than 1729?
I zoomed in on the 1729 portrait of Viscount Dunblane and noticed what appears to be a "coxcomb" seam going up the rear of the Viscount's left leg on his truibhs. That detail also appeared on the hose in the 1680s portrait of Lord Mungo Murray. It is interesting to note that it may have continued in use into the 18th c. Is there any portrait evidence that Highland hose or truibhs continued to be constructed with this detail later than 1729?
I noticed that too. I've always assumed that the 'coxcomb' was the result of the hose being worn inside out resulting in the seam edges showing. Given that the edges appear to have been cut and shaped one must assume that this was deliberate (as opposed to the standard practice, certainly later, of having the edges on the inside) and was ppossible some sort of fashion affectation.
I cannot recall having seen the effect used on trews nor in any other portraits although it's worth having a look at the drawings in Burt's Letters or those of Tomas Pennant (don't have a copy of either to hand) to check their life sketches.
Originally Posted by orvice
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