exhibition

Tartan

On until Sunday 14 January 2024

A radical new look at one of the world’s best-known textiles

★★★★★ "A riveting look at tartan" The Daily Telegraph

The reception to Tartan has been incredible. From the global coverage for its part in helping to uncover and confirm the world's oldest piece of tartan, through the energised feedback from our visitors, to the BBC One Show and the outstanding reviews in the press - everyone loves Tartan!

Tartan celebrates the global story of a unique pattern - how the rules of the grid have inspired creativity from the everyday to the sublime.

The instantly recognisable symbol of Scotland, a global textile of tradition, rebellion, oppression and fashion, tartan has connected and divided communities worldwide, inspiring great works of art as well as playful and provocative designs.

Experience dazzling objects from around the world from the high fashion of Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen to Jackie Stewart's racing helmet, from the portrait of rugby legend Doddie Weir to the MacBean tartan which rocketed to the moon. See tartan worn by Bonnie Prince Charlie and Bay City Rollers trousers handmade by a lifelong fan, together with the indigenous textiles of Indian Madras and the humble Scottish shortbread tin.

The must-see show of the year - don't miss out!

Saturday, 1 April 2023 to Sunday, 14 January 2024

10.00 - 17.00

V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ

£7.00 - £16.00 Discount for advance booking

Members and 18’s & Under go free

Advance booking is recommended.

Concessions available for:

  • Students
  • Young Scot Card holders
  • People with disabilities
  • Those in receipt of supported income or unemployment benefits
  • Art Fund Card Holders

The exhibition contains some strong language and nudity.

Exhibition Trailer

(centre) Vivienne Westwood Anglomania suit with jacket, waistcoat, kilt and trews,1993. Lochcarron (weaver) (background) Vestiarium Scoticum: Maide Dealbh, Jim Pattison, Glasgow 2015, Acrylic on canvas/wood. Jim Pattison is interested in the mathematical and graphical notation of tartans. Pattern sticks refer to the fictional idea that threads were wrapped around wooden sticks as a means of passing down precise patterns for setts.

Tartan

Take a look inside the exhibition

Key Objects

Kilt under construction, Keith Kilt School, Moray. Photo by Jonathan Faiers
Kilt under construction, Keith Kilt School, Moray. Photo by Jonathan Faiers
Wales Bonner adidas Originals
Wales Bonner adidas Originals, Spring Summer 2021. Photo by Jeano Edwards
Cheddar Gorgeous
Cheddar Gorgeous in a suit designed by Liquorice Black, 2017
Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming portrait by Christian Hook, 2014, © Christian Hook
Lord Mungo Murray
Lord Mungo Murray [Am Morair Mungo Moireach], 1668 - 1700. Son of 1st Marquess of Atholl
	Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY SS2022. Photo by Louie Banks
Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY SS2022. Photo by Louie Banks
Generic background for Membership promo module

Membership

V&A Dundee Membership enables you to visit our changing exhibitions time and time again

Headline Sponsor
Arnold Clark
Sponsors
LNER
V&A Foundation

This is the first major exhibition curated by V&A Dundee, with Jonathan Faiers of the University of Southampton, and celebrates our 5th anniversary in 2023.

Header image credit - Cheddar Gorgeous in a suit designed by Liquorice Black, 2017. Image © Cheddar Gorgeous

Shop

A copy of the book "Tartan by Jonathan Faiers" sitting on top of the V&A Tartan.

Tartan Book by Jonathan Faiers (Exhibition copy)

Tartan Scottie Dog Magnet

Scottie Dog Magnet

Tartan Postcard set

Tartan Postcard set

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