An “exceptional” archive of almost 800 historic tartan samples, including textiles made for Queen Victoria, has been donated to the nation. The collection, produced by the Scottish firm J&D Paton over two centuries, has been gifted to National Museums Scotland (NMS) by Stuart Paton, the great-great grandson of the company’s founder.
Among the items are fabrics created for Queen Victoria and the royal family during the 19th-century Highland revival, military tartans supplied to Scottish regiments, and previously unrecorded clan designs. Rare examples woven for women’s fashion are also featured. Experts believe the archive could significantly alter current understanding of tartan history.
J&D Paton was a leading tartan manufacturer from its foundation in the 1820s until its closure in the 1960s. At its peak, the family-run firm employed hundreds across four factory sites in Stirlingshire, producing internationally renowned tartans and tweeds. The collection chronicles the company’s entire history.
Dr Mhairi Maxwell, curator of modern and contemporary history at NMS, said: “We have only just begun to uncover the stories woven through this remarkable archive and I’ve no doubt there are many discoveries waiting to be made.” She added that the acquisition will help provide a fuller picture of tartan production, previously dominated by knowledge of Wilsons of Bannockburn.
The archive will now be catalogued at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh before being made accessible for research. NMS is also keen to hear from descendants of J&D Paton employees who may have memories or items related to the company.
