BATIK WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS

„Experiencing the blue wonder: workshop on dyeing with indigo.“
with Berit Mohr 

Using leaves from the indigo plant to create a blue dye is an ancient cultural technique which has probably been known about since the third century BCE. As late as the nineteenth century, indigo was one of the most important substances for dyeing textiles. This “colour from India” has played a significant role in many different places – whether it was expanding the British empire or the blue dyers’ conflict in Europe. Parallel to the invention of riveted trousers, synthetic indigo was successfully produced around 1870; the combination of the two led to the global success of “blue jeans”.

The workshop participants will take the fabrics that they have brought along and dye them indigo blue, in the process observing the characteristic change in colour from yellowish-green to blue. Before our textiles are dyed they will be prepared using batik and tie-dye techniques to ensure a wide range of patterns. Background information on reserve techniques, batik, and dyeing with indigo will provide the framework for a discussion, along with a critical (post-)colonial classification of the history of these cultural techniques.

Please bring along fabrics, items of clothing or thread from natural fibres such as wool, cotton, linen or hemp (maximum of 400–500 grams).

For adults, € 21 / € 10.50 concessions.
Limited number of participants . Please register in advance using the online booking system
Weltkulturen Museum, Schaumainkai 29