Indigo - Balfour-Paul Jenny

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Résumé :
The blue dye indigo has been the world's most valued dyestuff for almost five millennia. Produced from plants by a process akin to alchemy, indigo has a unique chemistry that renders it compatible with every type of natural fibre. What is more, it was in the past combined with other natural dyes to create a range of colours that are impossible to reproduce without synthetic substitutes (a recent phenomenon). In today's multi-coloured world, it is hard to imagine the incredible impact that indigo must have had on the many civilisations that chanced upon it. The accumulation of over fifteen years'research, this is the first book to cover in detail all aspects of this fascinating subject: historical, agricultural and botanical. chemical and technological. commercial and economic. indigo's various uses in textiles and its many sociological, medicinal, folkloric and other connotations. 'The author pays particular attention to indigo's long history as a trade commodity and examines, from first hand experience, the different plant sources (which include woad) and compares the production and dyeing methods practised in different cultures. The various patterning techniques used with indigo on a wide range of beautiful textiles, both humble and exotic, are described, as are some curious uses of the dyestuff in traditional medicine and religious practices. Finally, the modern and possible future applications of indigo (both natural and synthetic) are looked at, not least its continuing sartorial appeal, especially in the ever-popular blue denim and the world of high fashion. Superbly illustrated with textiles from around the globe and the author's own field photographs, Indigo is the compelling story of one of the world's oldest and most magical dyes. An important source book for both scholar and general reader, it will appeal to all those interested in textiles, art and design or any other aspect of indigos intriguing history.

Biographie:
JENNY BALFOUR-PAUL, whose PhD was of indigo in North Africa and the Middle East, is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter. She has published, lectured and broadcast on indigo and related subjects, has travelled extensively in pursuit of her research, and has much pratical experience of using indigo plants and dyestuff.