JACKET

This jacket is thought to have originally belonged to David Stewart who was born 1769 in Ardcheanacrochdon, in Strathgartney near Callender, Scotland. David was a land surveyor and land agent. As early as 1808, David Stewart began purchasing land in Prince Edward Island and by the 1830's, the Stewarts had purchased Lots 7, 10, 12, and 30 as well as parts of Lots 27, 46, and 47. At the time of his death in 1852, David passed along his vast estate of almost 67,000 acres on PEI to his son, Robert, making him the largest resident landholder on PEI. Robert and his family moved to Charlottetown in 1846. In 1863, the family relocated to Strathgartney, their country estate.

A classic late Highland revival style Royal Stewart tartan was woven by Wilson's of Bannockburn, a tartan mill which operated from the mid 1700s-mid 1900s. The trousers were likely made in the late 1820s for the 1822 visit of King George IV to Edinburgh. This event is referred to as the "King's Jaunt" and was the first royal visit to Scotland in 150 years, since 1641. Those being presented to George IV were required to dress in tartan and it is likely that David Stewart had this outfit made special for the occasion.

The jacket itself is made of fine cloth and is cut on the bias. It was likely constructed by Donald Currie, a Scotsman and tailor in London. The high collar is very representative of the 1820s, late Regency era, as by 1825 the collar styles were turned down. The buttons on this jacket are associated with the Highland Society of London which formed in 1778 with the aim to promote and preserve the traditions and culture of the Scottish Highlands. The buttons have the emblem of maker I. McGowen, a button maker in London in the 1820s.