JACKET
CultureScottish
Datec. 1820s
Dimensions80 x 70 cm
Object numberHF.2017.08.4
DescriptionPlaid dress jacket in Prince Charles Edward tartan with an 8 cm stand collar, short tails in the back, 12 button holes on the front left with buttons missing from the front right, 3 buttons on the cuff flap (buttons removed) ( button holes on each side), appliqued tail flaps (3 buttons removed), two piece shared sleeves gathered a the shoulders, a back vent with pleat on each side of the vent and epaulets. The sleeve is fully lined, the body is lined in wool, the sleeves in cotton and the tails in self-fabric. Cuffs are "Balmoral" style. Associated objects: HF.2017.08.10 & .16.
Narrative
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.
This Prince Edward Charles tartan was woven by Wilson's of Bannockburn, a tartan mill which operated from the mid 1700s-mid 1900s. It was 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 super fine cloth and is cut on the bias. The high collar is very representative of the 1820s, late Regency era, as by 1825 they collar styles were turned down.
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