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DHA 43 Special Edition – Heritage
For anyone interested in dyeing with Alder and Alder Buckthorn Bark, can I bring your attention to papers which have been published in the DHA Special Edition of Heritage? This is opensource so can be accessed by anyone. Krista Wright has written “From bark to Dye – Ethnographic black and grey alder recipes from Finland and Estonia” Liis Luhamaa “Rotting for Red: Archival, Experimental and Analytical Research on Estonian traditions of decomposing Alder Buckthorn Bark before dyeing” Both papers have been supported by the WP2 team on the Colour4CRAFTS project – my role was the light fastness testing and analysis for the samples but all the hard work preparing and…
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The Colour of War
In 2013 I started researching Khaki ready for the commemorations of World War 1. I wanted to know how they were producing the colour – was it natural or synthetic? Here’s a summary of my research, originally written to be an article for the Journal in 2016, they wanted to make too many changes so I’m sharing it here. On the 4th August 1914 war was declared and thus a requirement to clothe over 6 million soldiers in British Army Uniform began. The story begins by looking back to the Victorian era and changes in Industry and the army uniform. The British Army was famous for its red coats (dyed…
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Ending the year on a HIGH!
I am thrilled to be able to tell you that I can now add the letters ASDC after my name. These stand for Associate of the Society of Dyers and Colourists and mean that I now have the equivalent of an Honours Degree in Natural Dyeing. The next stage will be to go for “CCol” or Chartered Colourist. ” The Associateship of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (ASDC) is the only professional qualification for colourists worldwide. Benchmarked by NARIC as equivalent to a UK Bachelor Honours Degree. Gaining this qualification allows the student to apply to be a Chartered Colourist. ” (taken from the SDC website.) Whilst there are many…
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The Society of Dyers and Colourists
For quite a few years I have been a member of the Society of Dyers and Colourists and am currently a Trustee. Whilst at first glance you would think they only are relevant to synthetic dyers (and I have to admit that they are certainly that way inclined!) I have found them very helpful over the years and really appreciate being a member. They are in reality our own trade body and it would make sense that all dyers should be members. An International organisation with branches and or members in most Continents helping with dye chemistry and environmental issues. Take a look at their Facebook page to get an idea. They…
