The Welsh Shawl

It's possible to trace the origins of the pattern we recognise as 'Paisley'back to the civilisation of Babylon, 2000 years ago. It was introduced to Europe in the 18th Century when silk shawls were imported from Kashmir. Such an exotic design become very popular, and soon they were in great demand. How this was possible, it's difficult to understand since, even at the time, customers had to pay £200 - £300 per shawl. As with every craft the price doesn't reflect the craftmanship, since it used to take about a year and a half to weave one shawl. The weavers of Paisley in Scotland monopolised the production of the shawl and once again it was seen as a fashionable garment, and is now considered an essential part of our Welsh costume.

The Tall Hat Many explainations have been offered as to the origins of the tall hat which is made out of beaver or mole skin. The tall hat originated in France and was also seen in England in the 17th Century when it was considered to be an essential fashion accessory to crown and protect the tall wigs of the period. Since it was expensive to produce, only aristocracy would wear them, but long after the trend disappeared from England the ladies of Wales continued to wear them. The Welsh costume is incomplete without the tall hat