The Story of Sherlock Holmes Tartan - Tania's Tartan Tale
Sherlock Holmes Tartan is more than just an elegant clothing brand, it’s a connection to the past and to the wondrous world of fiction. Being the step, great, great, granddaughter of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, world renowned author of the Sherlock Holmes canon, our Scottish designer has had a unique opportunity to do something special. As far as we know, we are the first clothing brand to represent a fictional character and our brand’s identity is deeply intertwined with everyone’s favourite fictional detective. It is also deeply connected to the Conan Doyle lineage. It’s this rich and unique history that inspires everything we make and it’s why our designs are timeless and exclusive. This is the tartan tale of our Scottish designer, Tania Henzell.
Where it all began
I have been passionate about design for as long as I can remember and I have also always loved tartan. It’s such a timeless print and its connection to Scottish history makes it unique in the fashion world. These two interests began to overlap and before long I had started making tartan accessories and learning a lot about their designs, colours and history.
I lived in Edinburgh for a long time. Being Scotland’s capital it’s a city that is absolutely bursting at the seams with tartan, with shops every hundred yards selling “authentic” clan tartans primarily to tourists. So inspiration was everywhere, I just needed an underlying story to ignite that spark. Something that would make my tartan authentic and special, because it had to be special if it was going to stand out in Scotland’s capital city.
How did you come up with the idea for Sherlock Holmes Tartan?
The Sherlock Holmes films had just been released and were growing in popularity quickly, so Sherlock was already in the news due to excitement about the next film to be produced. I also became aware that there weren't any other literary, fictional characters to have a tartan in their name. I knew that my tartan would be authentic because of my experience, but this was the idea that made our pattern unique. It was connected to real Scottish heritage, but the link to Sherlock Holmes made it desirable and fashionable even to people who know nothing about the history of authentic Scottish tartan.
Funny story, as Robert Downey Jnr played Sherlock, I sent him a scarf and a short letter relating to the tartan’s history and designer, and a year later I received a signed postcard from him!
What were the first major obstacles?
Firstly I had to ask permission from the Conan Doyle Estate, with my uncle being the director; as I was a member of the family, he agreed. The next big decision after linking the brand to Sherlock Holmes was to decide on a colour scheme. Colours are vitally important for any tartan design because they usually represent a specific Scottish clan’s family tartan. If my tartan was going to be authentic the colours needed to mean something, not just look pretty.
After a lot of research and some help from the tartan manufacturer at House of Edgar, I chose green and blue as the foundational colours. Green to represent Sir Arthur’s Irish heritage and blue because he was born in Scotland. I also ended up adding a thin icy blue line to represent the Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock and Moriarty fought to the end. And finally, a gold strip as an ode to Sherlock’s skill as a detective! Once the tartan was made up, I had to register it with the Scottish Tartan Authority and they demanded to know the story behind my tartan colour choice. So all the planning behind the colours was definitely worth it in the end!
Are you still a keen Sherlockian?
Absolutely! In fact, last year I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Baker Street Irregulars Weekend in New York. I’d been before, but last year I documented my experience if you’d like to read more about what I got up to. When I attended for the first time in 2019, my fellow Sherlockians were pleased to learn that I was related to Sir Arthur, (even though it is only through my great grandfather marrying his youngest daughter, Jean). At the William Gillette luncheon, I was even asked for autographs, and was acknowledged at the lunch hosted at the Yale Club the following day! It was splendid and I cannot recommend the experience enough for any Sherlockians out there.
Do you have a favourite Sherlock Holmes book or quote?
The books are all so different so it’s difficult to choose just one. I like the Hound of Baskervilles, and I enjoy reading Silver Blade because of my interest in horses. My favourite quote has to be, “When you have eliminated the impossible whatever remains, however improbable must be the truth”, as I feel it brings perspective when I’m solving problems at work, or even in life.
This has been the story of Sherlock Holmes Tartan so far. If you need a splash of tartan for your wardrobe, be sure to browse our elegant selection of green and blue tartan garms and accessories. And if you or anyone you know are truly dedicated Sherlockians, come and join our Secret Society….
