Dye Discoveries in the 18th and 19th Centuries – SDC Online Talk

Dye Discoveries in the 18th and 19th Centuries online talk by SDC President Susan Kay-Williams

In the 18th century dyers had the opportunity to enhance their skills, developing not only more colours, but more and more stable shades. This then contributed to the development of botanic art in embroidery which took off following the finds of the plant hunters returning with new discoveries.

The interest in floral motifs was further seen in men’s and women’s attire from court mantras to the gentleman’s three-piece suit.

This talk will feature the dye houses and some of the resulting garments and examples that remain.