Imperial purple to Marie Antoinette’s fleas: The colourful history of textiles
In this lecture, Susan explores the fascinating story of how dyes were discovered, made, and used from the earliest times to the end of the 18th century. Susan will look at the social importance of certain colours including red, blue, and purple. The use of colour in textiles is a story that travels from Europe to India and the Americas; a tale of exploration, invention, war, the church, money, power and sex!
Light refreshments will be available in the foyer after the presentation.
Dura Europos Synagogue, panel WC3: David Anointed King by Samuel (CE 3rd Century). Ancient use of purple dye. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Dura Europos Synagogue, panel WC3: David Anointed King by Samuel (CE 3rd Century). Ancient use of purple dye. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
About Susan Kay-Williams
Susan Kay-Williams was the chief executive of the Royal School of Needlework for seventeen years until late 2024. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the President of the Society of Dyers and Colourists. Susan has a longstanding interest in textiles, and published her first book, The Story of Colour in Textiles in 2013). In 2022, Susan published An Unbroken Thread: The 150-year History of the Royal School of Needlework.
This event is presented in partnership with ArtsNational Canberra.
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