The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has launched an extensive digital archive of textile dyeing and printing artefacts, making centuries of colour science accessible to a global audience. This newly unveiled Textile Collection archive showcases over 50,000 items, including journals, books, and historic artefacts, providing a unique insight into the evolution of textile dyeing from traditional to synthetic methods.
The collection, available online for the first time, allows researchers, industry professionals, and textile enthusiasts to explore the intricate history of dyeing and colour application across the centuries. Key highlights include the Turkey Red Collection and handwritten dyers’ notebooks from the 19th century, which document the industry’s transformation as it began incorporating synthetic dyes.
Shelley Hollingdrake, SDC’s historical collections officer, has been responsible for cataloguing the archive. “We are only at the beginning of this exciting journey, but the new website already allows us to engage with our community in a truly meaningful way,” Hollingdrake explained. “From 19th-century dyes to scientific equipment, the collection offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of colour science and its global impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to share the rich history of textile dyeing with a wider audience.”
Launched in celebration of SDC’s 140th anniversary, the archive was created as an interactive resource to support research, education, and modern-day textile practices. The archive’s design is aimed at capturing both the artistry and the science behind textile dyeing, providing users with easy access to original artefacts that had previously been difficult to view outside academic and museum settings.
The digital archive also seeks to foster connections between historic and contemporary textile practices, offering valuable material for those studying the environmental impacts of dyeing and new sustainable dyeing technologies.
Adding to the excitement of the archive’s launch, the SDC will host the 43rd International Conference on Dyes in History and Archaeology (DHA43) in Leeds from 23-25 October 2024. The event, held at Cloth Hall Court, will feature 24 presentations covering the history and significance of colour in archaeology and industry. The conference will highlight the relevance of archives like SDC’s in advancing both academic research and practical applications within the modern textile sector.
The Society of Dyers and Colourists has played a key role in the development of textile colouration since its establishment in 1884, supporting industry professionals through training and resources while upholding rigorous standards in textile dyeing. By creating a digital collection, the organisation aims to preserve and share historical knowledge, making it an educational resource that’s accessible to all.
Rachel O’Connor, President of the SDC, expressed her enthusiasm for the new resource. “The digitisation of our Textile Collection is an achievement that reflects the Society’s commitment to promoting knowledge and expertise in dyeing and colour science. By making these resources widely accessible, we’re connecting the past with the present, inspiring future innovations in textile sustainability and dyeing technologies.”
As interest grows in sustainable dyeing solutions, this new digital archive offers a valuable tool for understanding past methods, contributing to efforts to reduce the environmental impact of today’s textile industry. The SDC’s work, including this archive and its upcoming conference, continues to support innovation within the global dyeing and colouration field.