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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 3d

Berwickshire hosted a commemoration for the Burning of the Merse during the Rough Wooing this weekend in the village of Whitsome. A symbolic pyre was lit that evening. A fitting and evocative end to a thought proving day of remembrance and reconciliation.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 6d

With the Lyon Court's happy announcement today of the appointment of a new Kintyre Pursuivant - the first for a quarter of a century - this is how the line up of Scottish Officers of Arms now looks; personal shields displayed below each office badge.

Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 15d

The background is in a shade utilised by Japanese sky blue 'sorario' flags, like Shiga Prefecture (which happens to correspond closely to Air Force Blue).

Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 15d

Here two monshō styled 'kumo' clouds are shaped into the form of an intertwined 'futatsu-domoe' swirls. This of course sees them cross in a broadly X shape in the centre.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 15d

The legend of the Saltire's origin is of course as two crossed clouds in the sky. Here I have attempted to depict that as 'two swirls of cloud crossing each other'.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 15d

Happy International Vexillology Day 🎌

In the same spirit & theme as my post on International Heraldry Day, I thought it would be particularly appropriate to share my current thinking on how the Scottish Saltire would look had it been realised as a Japanese monshō 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇵

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 20d

General precedence protocol would have a sovereign nation's flag on the leftmost - more senior pole - above a non sovereign territory. However, in this sporting context the two entities are competing as equals; so Europe has been given precedence here as the location of the flag display.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 20d

It is not yet dark but the sky is already full of stars for the start of golf's Ryder Cup! 🇪🇺 vs 🇺🇲

Best of luck to #TeamEurope

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 27d

I fear I've blown their otherwise perfect cover 😅

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 27d

You're too kind, but thank you. Flags and symbolism are a language and I hope to demonstrate the power in the breadth of this *in addition* to that power in the depth of feeling

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · 27d

🏴‍☠️ For national 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' I thought I'd post this photo from the unveiling of the Girvan Flag where it appears a pirate flying the Jolly Roger was (probably) about to make it's escape from the law behind me!

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Sep 12

This time last week I was in the stunning surroundings of Carlisle Cathedral, in my capacity with The Flag Institute, to witness the unveiling of the regional community flag for Cumbria; presented to the Lord Lieutenant in a sweet ceremony by the Wetheral Brownies.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Sep 8

Shown together like this they symbolise not only the identity of the organisations, but a unique bond between them born of these tragic circumstances.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Sep 8

A very moving display of heraldry and other emblems in Tundergarth Kirk, for #opendoorsday yesterday, of many of the organisations that assisted in the aftermath of the PAA103 bombing.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Sep 1

Not only is this a fantastic vexillological sight, but it is a great demonstration of the Scottish tradition of 'stem' arms of a chief from which Clansmen derived related but different designs.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Sep 1

This display shows the flags of Clansmen and Chiefs of (from left to right) Clan Irving - whose holly leaf banner was drawn by yours truly - Clan Carruthers and Clan MacEwen

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Sep 1

Even off duty I cannot help but be drawn to a great flag display, especially one right on my doorstep with yesterday's Border Gathering in Annan

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Aug 25

The gown is then tied together with an Obi belt, the knot of which often has a purpose and meaning as well. The knot that was tied for me allows for the wearer to carry a katana, which made me feel very heroic!

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Aug 25

The fabric I wore included an example of a Wagara pattern. Specifically the interlocking diamond chain motif is known as Yoshiwara Shima and symbolises community; which I felt was very apt for my community flag work.

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Aug 25

Yesterday my family and I had a fantastic visit to Shambellie House for the Japan-Scotland Community Cultural Festival 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇵

Amongst a huge array of experiences we got to try wearing a Yukata gown. Although not formally heraldic, like monshō, I was taken with the traditional symbolism it incorporated

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Aug 11

Following the successful recognition of the winner of their flag competition with the The Court of the Lord Lyon, Girvan has been added to this Scottish flag map

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Aug 4

Girvan has become the latest place to raise an official community flag. It has been a joy to work with so many there for the last few months, especially seeing what it meant to the town - including the delighted winning schoolgirl - at the unveiling this weekend

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Aug 1

Heartwarming to get a photo from good friends showing the wedding present I drew up for them up on their wall.

This uses linked clan crest badges to commemorate the union of their families, placed on a background inspired by their wedding recessional.

Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Jul 18

Wonderful! Exactly how much symbolism, including heraldry, 'takes root' (if you'll forgive the pun of my own). I might have to check the register to see if he ever got official daisy arms (it'd be a real shame if he did not)

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Philip Tibbetts @vextibbetts.bsky.social · Jul 18

On a very warm day last weekend I was thankful for the hospitality of the Ramsay family at Bamff House in Perthshire who were hosting the Convention of the Baronage of Scotland to whom I was invited to speak on the topic of flags for The Court of the Lord Lyon.