Colors with history - Natural dyes

Up to the introduction and industrial use of synthetic colouring materials, natural dyestuffs like wood, purple and madder were commonly used. Natural dyestuffs require different dyeing methods like vat-, direct- or mordant-dyeing. The fundamental principles of these methods are still in use in modern dyeing mills. The article gives an idea of cultural and historical connections during the development from textile handicraft to the first industrial organisation. By the example of madder the influence of mordants on colour is presented.