The story of colour in textiles: imperial purple to denim blue

Abstract

Colour and shade of dyed textiles were once as much an indicator of social class or position as the fabric itself and for centuries the recipes used by dyers were closely guarded secrets. The history of dyed textiles brings together the worlds of politics, money, the church, law, taxation, international trade and exploration, fashion, serendipity and science. Today, modern synthetic dyes have opened up a whole rainbow of options - changing colour palettes are a key part of fashion forecasting, and technological advances in new fabrics have enabled designers to make materials that change colour as you wear them, or incorporate components such as light. What next for colour in textiles? This book is an introduction to a broad, diverse and fascinating subject of how and why people coloured textiles. A fresh review of this topic, this book brings previous scholars' work to light again, alongside new discoveries and research.