Tartan Folds: A Paper Tribute to Scotland's Everyday Heroes (Feileadh Mòr)

"That lad's got braw claes!"

Background info about the exhibit:

A likeness of an 18th-century Scotsman, capturing a belted plaid which was a style of kilt first worn as early as 1594. This Scotsman's belted plaid (Breacan an Fhéilidh) or great kilt (Feileadh Mòr) is gracefully draped around his shoulders.

Today you might still see a Scotsman wearing it to a white-tie event, coupled with a ruffled jabot and a Sheriffmuir doublet.

One can only imagine how a Highlander in the 16th or 17th century had the patience to carefully fold the expansive fabric into pleats on the ground before laying on top of it and securing it to his leather belt. A sight to see, for sure! Of course, it's no surprise that sewing belt loops onto the garment became increasingly popular by the 18th century.

Next item featured in the exhibit: