The story of colour in textiles : imperial purple to denim blue / Susan Kay-Williams.

London : Bloomsbury, [2013]

176 pages : color illustrations ; 25 cm

"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 arrival of synthetic dyestuffs in the middle of the nineteenth century opened up a whole rainbow of options and within 50 years modern dyes had completely overturned the dyeing industry. From pre-history to the current day, the story of dyed textiles in Western Europe brings together the worlds of politics, money, the church, law, taxation, international trade and exploration, fashion, serendipity and science."-- Back cover

Colour in textiles

English

November 18, 2014

Includes bibliographical references (pages 168-147) and index.

History.