Summary
Paisley shawl worn by Isabella MacDonald for her wedding to James Abel in Aberdeen Scotland, 1851. It was probably purchased for her trousseau, as many of these shawls were in Scotland around this time. The shawl would have been a highly valued and was probably worn after the wedding. The shawl was then brought to Australia as a precious family heirloom by Maggie Stewart, Isabella's eldest grand-daughter, when she migrated in the late 1800s. It has continued to be passed down through the female line of the family.
This design was originally inspired by textile designs in Kashmir and shawls in this design peaked in popularity across Europe and the UK from 1740-1870. Paisley in Scotland maintained the most prolific and prolonged output of shawls in this design - hence 'paisley' became a generic design term.
Physical Description
Finely woven twill tapestry technique wool shawl with paisley design. Colour palette red, orange, black, white and blue. Fringed edging.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Wendy McNabb, 23 Mar 2005
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User
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User
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
316 cm (Length), 158 cm (Width)
Object measured by Curator
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References
www.victoriana.com/library/paisley/shawl.html
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Keywords
Families, Immigration, Textile Industry, Wedding Costumes, Weddings, Women's Clothing Accessories
