Kelvingrove Research

Kelvingrove research

During my trip to the Kelvingrove art gallery, I didn’t necessarily find the information I was looking for specific to military tailoring, however I would say that I still learnt some information that is valuable to my understanding of military uniform and what it meant to certain cultures.

For instance, these two Japanese and Chinese costumes that I found were actually very interesting to read about, as they relate very well to my previous research at the Mitchell Library.

“This warlike costume was only worn for processions and ceremonies that proclaimed the owner’s devotion to the emperor. The warrior looked fierce even though he couldn’t fight.”

“When this armour was made, Japanese samurai no longer fought in wars. They had become civil servants.”

“A warrior’s livelihood depended on the loyal military service he gave to a more powerful lord.”

From my previous research, I can depict how much uniform helps reflect the pride and glory of a soldier and one’s allegiance to his country. As it is said above, for this particular culture a warrior’s livelihood is dependent on his loyal service to his king. Recognition of his devotion brings honour to him and his family, and his uniform must do well to emphasise his success. I think this can relate to different cultures all over the world, and still is important to this day. Uniform should always be there to help symbolise a love for one’s country. Uniform was also an important means of intimidation, and to create an illusion so that warrior appears more daunting and fierce. I can see how this would matter particularly in historic time’s war was fought with swords and an army was approached by their enemy face to face. This isn’t as relevant in modern military tactics; however I understand the idea of preserving the glory of these elaborate and grand uniforms.

This uniform was worn by a courtier who lived in the Forbidden City, the imperial palace in Beijing.

“Sometimes appearances are everything. This costume is not actually armour at all – it has no protective qualities. But it looks impressive and warlike.”

“The man who wore this costume would never have fought or known how to fight. Looking like a warrior was much more important than actually being one.”

This is another good example of how more important uniform is to certain cultures over skill on the battlefield. ‘Appearances are everything’ – it was more crucial to look the part rather than have the fighting technique. It was impressive, and that’s what counted. How does this perspective compare to modern day military uniform?

As the times change, there is more need for practicality in uniforms, but there will always be a place for tradition in modern day society.  The amount of detail and effort that goes in to making garments like these can relate to military tailoring to a certain degree, as the overall objective will always be to captivate a nation’s pride and glory . I’m not sure this would count as tailoring research, but even so I feel that all in all it counts on a personal level towards a better understanding and appreciation of passion that goes in to creating military garments even to this day and the message that they have conveyed for thousands of years. I think personally it is important to have a clearer insight in to the history of this subject prior to taking any other route.

I also found a little bit of good information on Scottish tradition and uniform from my trip. I suppose it would be obvious in stating how tartan has always been a symbol of scottish pride and is still used in Scottish Military to this day, as it is a well known fact. However, I had no idea that tartan was banned in 1746 after the failure of the Jacobite rebellion. But Scottish regiments in the British army were still allowed to wear tartan plaids and kilts abroad.

This is a photo of a painting of Hugh Montgomery wearing the uniform of the Black Watch. The Regiment was issued with the very first Military tartan in 1739.

“Gradually, the regiments developed their own tartans. The Gordon Highlanders added yellow to the standard Military tartan of dark blue, green and black. This soon became known as Gordon tartan. This was the beginning of clan tartans.”

I assumed that clan tartans came from hundreds of years previously, but apparently it was around 1600 that the Highlanders in the north of Scotland started wearing tartan. They chose the colours and patterns they liked and could afford however this was not classed as clan tartan.

Tartan plaid was a useful and adaptable item of clothing. As an example of this is in this photo with the soldier in the middle using it to shelter from rain.

Painting of the Highland regiments in Paris 1815 wearing a tartan kilt as part of their military uniform. Creating a stir in the town, but regardless take pride in their heritage and traditions. Surely that is what uniform should always represent for a soldier and his country.

“Did you know that the word tartan comes from the French term ‘tiretaine’ for cloth that is made from wool and linen? Now tartan just means the checked pattern.”

This is a good example of tartan being used for tailored clothes in the mid-1700’s. Notice how carefully the material has been cut so the squares are lined up horizontally across the body. Evidence of such a technically advanced skill that dates back many generations. There are so many routes that I could go down in my research, could Scottish Military tailoring be one? How do the skills differ today or are they still the same as the processes of old times?

Tartan is such an iconic symbol of a proud Scotland and will always be used in elements of Military wear. At this stage I am not sure whether I will research this further, but I know I would like to learn more about the colours/patterns of different countries Military uniforms past and present. This may possibly lead to a more specific path for me to follow.