Embracing Heritage: The Timeless Art of Tartan

10 Jun 2024

At Araminta Campbell, we take immense pride in joining a rich lineage of textile craftsmen and women dedicated to preserving ancient skills. Our mission extends beyond creating beautiful textiles; we celebrate the breadth and depth of Scotland’s storied craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations. As part of our commitment to heritage, we are honoured to keep the art of tartan weaving alive, an iconic symbol of Scottish identity cherished worldwide.

Weaving Tradition: Crafting Heritage, One Thread at a Time

As the largest producer of handwoven tartan in Scotland, we are proud to be part of a rich lineage of makers and artisans dedicated to creating exceptional Scottish textiles. It is an honour to provide employment for talented craftspeople, preserving the skills and expertise that have been passed down through the ages. By supporting and nurturing these traditions, we help keep the vibrant legacy of Scottish textile craftsmanship alive and thriving.

Preserving heritage design and craft is at the heart of what we do. To continue the legacy of handcrafting tartan is both a culturally important responsibility and a beautiful mission. Our commitment to this ancient art form safeguards centuries-old skills and allows the practice of storytelling through textiles to flourish, ensuring that these traditions endure for generations to come.

We collaborate with some of Scotland’s most esteemed artisan rural mills in the creation of our HERITAGE Millwoven collection and our custom tartan designs. Each mill we work with is selected for their dedication to quality and their mastery of the craft. Supporting rural weaving mills is not just a business endeavour for us; it is a heartfelt commitment to nurturing the livelihoods of local artisans. These talented weavers are the keepers of age-old skills, passed down through generations, and it is our joy to help preserve their craft.

The Storied History of Tartan

Tartan has a deep and fascinating history, traditionally worn to identify members of the same family or clan. The intricate patterns, known as a sett, consist of intersecting lines and squares woven in a maximum of six solid colours. These designs are not merely aesthetic; they carry the weight of history, culture, and familial pride.

Historically, tartan served as a visual marker, a way for individuals and clans to display their unique identity. Today, tartan has transcended its origins, becoming a global emblem of Scottish heritage. It is embraced by fashion designers, brands, and organisations across the world, each using it to pay homage to centuries of tradition.

The Art and Science of Tartan Design

Creating a tartan is both an art and a science. The sett must be carefully designed to ensure the pattern is harmonious and true to the traditional style. Our work includes creating new designs for families, organisations, and interior designers, as well as reproducing existing clan tartans that might otherwise be difficult to source. Each tartan we produce is a unique piece of art, reflecting the individual or group’s heritage and identity. Araminta personally oversees each one of our custom tartan commissions with support from our design team, carefully considering colour palette, fibre qualities, and how best to embody your story in cloth.

Celebrating Scottish Ancestry—and Beyond

While many of our clients are keen to celebrate their Scottish ancestry, we believe that the beauty and significance of tartan are universal. You don’t need to be of Scottish descent to appreciate or own a tartan. At Araminta Campbell, we work with clients from all backgrounds to create bespoke tartans that tell their unique stories.

Whether you’re looking to design a family tartan or a distinctive pattern for an organisation, we guide you through the process to ensure your design meets the criteria for registration with the Scottish Register of Tartans. This ensures your tartan is officially recognised and preserved for future generations.

We have worked with an exceptionally diverse client list, most recently being commissioned by Balmoral Castle and Estate by His Majesty the King to design the new Balmoral Hunting Tartan. From A-list celebrities to prestigious venues such as The Fife Arms Hotel Braemar, Mount St. Restaurant London, The Royal Scotsman a Belmond Train, and Fortnum and Mason, Araminta’s work stands out in the most esteemed settings.

Beyond these high-profile projects, Araminta also collaborates with interior designers, brands, retailers, private individuals, and families, ensuring each project is tailored to meet the unique needs and tastes of her varied clients.

Preserving and Innovating

Our dedication to the craft of tartan weaving goes hand in hand with our respect for tradition and our commitment to innovation. By combining time-honoured techniques with contemporary design principles, we create pieces that are both timeless and modern.

We understand that tartan is more than just fabric; it’s a connection to the past, a symbol of identity, and a piece of art. As we continue to produce and innovate, we remain deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Scottish textile heritage. Keeping manufacturing in Scotland – whether by hand or mill – is one of our most precious values. It ensures sustainability through local and limited production and supports the continued longevity of Scottish making. Even when making at a larger scale with the mills, we make only the most limited of runs.

Join us in Celebrating Tartan

At Araminta Campbell, we invite you to join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of tartan. Whether you are looking to connect with your heritage or create something entirely new, we are here to bring your vision to life.

By preserving these centuries-old textile skills, we ensure that the art of tartan weaving remains vibrant and relevant. Together, we can honour the past while crafting a beautiful future, one thread at a time. Explore the world of tartan with us and discover how a piece of Scotland’s history can become part of your story.