The Colourful Past:
The Origins, Chemistry and Identification of Natural Dyestuffs
Judith H. Hofenk de Graaff in co-operation with Wilma G. Th. Roelofs and Maarten van Bommel

ISBN: 1-873132-13-1 • $100 • Cloth

In order to contribute to the knowledge of historic textiles and their preservation, t his publication provides a quick overview of well-known dyestuffs that can be found in objects of cultural value. For conservators, conservation students, keepers, and textile historians, the book presents information on the most relevant dyestuffs used for dyeing textiles, the relation between dyestuffs and the organic pigments in paintings, and their historical relevance. The volume shows how a combination of historical, technical, and scientific knowledge can improve the conservation of historic textiles, including the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A number of case studies illustrate both the possibilities and limitations of dyestuff analysis.