Vestiarium Scoticum

The Vestiarium Scoticum was published in a limited edition of 50 copies in 1842.  It was illustrated with the first ever machine printed representation of tartans. The 'editor' John Sobieski Stuart claimed that it was a translation of an old manuscript providing an authentic account of tartans and their clans associations. The brothers 'Sobieski'  claimed descent from the Stewart Kings and became experts in all things 'Scottish' during the 19th Century.  The tartan patterns in their book gave a boost to the Tartan Ware Industry in South West Scotland during this time.