Cashmere Shawls & Paisley Patterns

Join Odile Hughson, researcher and Dovecot Guide to learn how the fashion grew and spread, including its revival in the Swinging Sixties.Edinburgh and Paisley play important roles in the history of the cashmere shawl.

Originating in Asia many centuries ago, cashmere shawls became luxury status symbols in 18th-century Europe.With high demand, weaving moved to Europe and both Norwich and Edinburgh were centres of excellence.

But by the early 19th century it was Paisley, Scotland, that dominated the market using jacquard looms, ultimately giving the traditional teardrop pattern its common name.