The costume and textiles collection includes items that are worn and items relating to textile crafts, as well as items made of fabric, such as:
- clothing e.g. wedding dresses, skirts, jackets, shirts, waistcoats, christening gowns
- uniforms e.g. military, domestic service, fire service, schools, scouts and guides
- clothing accessories (not necessarily fabric) e.g. buttons, fans, hats, shoes, gloves
- flags and banners e.g. flags previously flown at Inverness Town House
- household items e.g. bed linen, blankets, curtains, tablecloths
- art textiles e.g. quilts, tapestries, embroideries, samplers
- tartan e.g. sample books, collectors' tartan archives, kilts, Highland dancing
- haberdashery and textile crafts e.g. needles, spindles, patterns, fastenings, lace
One of the most important and popular items on display in the museum is a costume ensemble on loan to us - the Isabella Fraser tartan dress and plaid. It is the oldest tartan dress still in existence.
