Botanic Dyes is the legacy project following Nabil’s residency. It is the foundation for experimental organic colour-dye research in Cambridge, utilising site-specific plants growing in Cambridge University Botanic Garden, whilst linking historic and medieval technical dye, paint and ink recipes.
The processes are based on basic dye-making theory and practice using the Living Collections of plants and ‘trade’ plants used throughout cultures and historical periods, such as Madder (Rubia tinctorum), Woad (Isatis tinctoria) and Weld (Reseda lutea).
The index-dye-catalogue is a dynamic list of plants describing the process and mordants used to produce dye with a sample colour swatch as a basis, and is only a ‘sign-post’ to the plants and its potential colourant. Whilst the dye is produced from specific plants, the result may vary by using different fabrics and each season may give an alternative colour strength due to the environmental impact of weather and eco-systems.
Additional dyes and processes will continually be added to the index-dye-calalogue.
For further information contact Botanic Dyes.
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When using this catalogue for research purposes please use the citation below:
Ali, N. | Botanic Dyes. Index-Dye-Catalogue. Cambridge University Botanic Garden; 2024.
www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/collections/botanic-dyes/.
(Accessed: Month Date, Year).
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