An eBay Find

**figheadair** · 20th February 15, 11:50 AM

John,

The starting point is, I think, to bring as many pieces together for a National Exhibition. For some time I have been trying to generate some interest in the Bi-centennial of the 1822 Levee which seems to be the ideal event around which to base this idea. The lead in time is sufficient and it 'should' get sufficient interest from the press, politicians, museum people etc. I raised the anniversary in an earlier thread a couple of years ago (gosh it's actually 3 1/2 years). Such an exhibition could easily go on tour overseas afterwards.

We all have different skills and this is a tremendous project for a number of us to get our teeth into. It sits very firmly in the STA's intent and there's a lot of exciting stuff going on which will hopefully come to fruition at the same time.

**Domehead** · 20th February 15, 12:21 PM

I would love to participate in setting something like this off. I consider it a singular educative opportunity. My personality is to "receive an assignment" or "accept a mission". Just making myself available...CV on request. We (family) will adjust.

Ryan M. Liddell

**Orionson** · 20th February 15, 03:43 PM

Peter, the idea of a National Exhibition to commemorate the bicentennial of the the 1822 Levee is an excellent one and there is surely sufficient time to pull it all together. However, based upon experience with other projects, 7 years can disappear in the proverbial blink of an eye.

It may require the skill of a master magician to strike the appropriate balance in whatever political landscape may prevail in the coming years here in Scotland. Many people, from a very diverse range of historical and political (with a small p) perspectives will have a keen interest in this project for a whole range of different reasons. The secret will be to create an environment which enables everyone, regardless of point of view, to sign on and support the project with equal enthusiasm and dedication. All of which, is achievable.

I'd love to be involved with this, Peter and I place myself at your disposal to assist you in any capacity you may see fit.

Peter, should you wish to do so, I should be delighted to meet with you as, when and where you may wish to discuss this further.

Cheers.

**figheadair** · 20th February 15, 04:54 PM

John, an excellent offer, thank you. I will be up in Skye for some hills in Apr/May and it would be good to meet up. Between now and then l'll going to try and get around a few of the key players who may be able to help.

**Orionson** · 20th February 15, 05:33 PM

Excellent. I'll be in Culloden for the weekend of the Anniversary and we're in Loch Rannoch the weekend of 24 May, otherwise we'll be around. I look forward to it. I hope to have the new 1790 MacDuff Kilt by then, too. The drinks are on me.

**Domehead** · 20th February 15, 05:38 PM

...jealous

Ryan

**Orionson** · 20th February 15, 05:38 PM

Best of luck with your meetings and contacts.

**figheadair** · 21st February 15, 05:43 AM

Had a better look at some of the images this morning. The kilt is interesting and a classic of the period. Approx 4 yds of Wilsons' Superfine cloth, 25 inches uncut per the 1819 count for the 24 Reed, 12 half setts with white silk. Five wide box pleats with no tapering, lining or waistband, and the aprons finished with a simple double fold and sewn down. An early surviving example of a sewn kilt.

**Orionson** · 21st February 15, 07:38 AM

Fascinating. It certainly looked far flimsier than the kilts of the modern day. This one looks more like a Mason's Apprentice Apron than a kilt. The gentleman who commissioned the original kilt and coat was certainly a very slightly built man. I cannot help but wonder if research might reveal who he was and who his Tailor was. Given the prominence of the 1822 Levee, there must be written records of the Edinburgh and London Tailors of the day squirreled deep in some dusty archive somewhere.