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The Story of Colour in Textiles

By Susan Kay-Williams
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Story of Colour in Textiles explores the history and significance of dyed textiles in Western Europe from prehistoric times to the modern day. It reveals how colours and shades indicated social status and how dyeing recipes were closely guarded secrets. The book highlights the transformative impact of synthetic dyes in the nineteenth century and connects the art of dyeing with politics, trade, fashion, science, and culture. This introduction blends earlier scholarship with new findings to offer a rich overview of the subject.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Recommended for: Students and scholars of textiles and history, craft and embroidery enthusiasts, and readers curious about the cultural and scientific background of colour in fabric.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An introduction to a broad and fascinating subject - how and why people coloured textiles, whether clothing, wall and floor coverings, or pieces such as tapestries that were decorative for their own sake.

An introduction to a broad and fascinating subject - how and why people coloured textiles, whether clothing, wall and floor coverings, or pieces such as tapestries that were decorative for their own sake.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The 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.

The Story of Colour in Textiles 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, alongside new discoveries and research.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

This well-researched and readable work offers a detailed and fascinating history of textile dyeing, making it ideal for textiles students, history enthusiasts, and those interested in dyeing processes. Reviews praise its broad coverage, engaging narrative, good colour reproductions, and extensive references. The book unveils the symbolism of colour through ages and thoroughly discusses important topics such as The Arnolfini Marriage and historical dyeing hierarchies.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350184565

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 June 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Visual Arts

Illustration: 106 colour illus

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 188.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 176

Collections

Arts & Culture Fashion & Design Non-Fiction Susan Kay-Williams

About the Author

Susan Kay-Williams is the Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court. She has a long-term interest in textiles and was introduced to dyeing on a one-day workshop in the 1980s. Susan is constantly in demand as a speaker, especially for NADFAS in the UK, and internationally in the US and Japan. She is a fellow of the RSA.

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