"The 'Big Book of Tartan' is impressive not just in scale but also in its contents."
It is believed to hold 52 original samples of Wilsons of Bannockburn cloth, each measuring approximately 25 inches wide. These tartan samples are thought to have been woven or curated in the 1840s, making the book an extraordinary artifact from that era. In many ways, this book served as an early version of what we would consider a swatch book today—a beautiful display of the vibrant and intricate tartans that have become synonymous with Scottish culture.
Among its treasures, the book also holds something truly unique: the only known specimen of the Wilson of Bannockburn ‘Gypsy’ Tartan. This rare piece of history makes the book even more special, and we’re honoured to be able to share it with the public.
