Igniting the Rainbow

By Susan Kay-Williams​

Dear Members and Guests,

We invite you to join us for a lecture given by Susan Kay-Williams​ on ‘Igniting the Rainbow' in the Atrium on Tuesday 13th April 2027 at 20.00 hours.

The dramatic developments in colour in textiles in the 19th century (also known as poison, poo and mad scientists).

My current research is on the 19th century developments in dyeing and social history.  This lecture begins with the last great developments in natural colours at the end of the 18th century and then looks at the impact of Scheele's green.  We visit the chief dye scientist of the Gobelins factory in Paris, Michel Chevreul, and explore the impact of the great international exhibitions where new developments were proudly displayed.  Then we reach the serendipitous discovery of coal tar colours by the 18-year-old William Perkin and all that unleashed; resulting in hundreds of new colours and shades by the end of the 19th century used in everything from fashion to painting and household items.  This is a vibrant lecture that reveals the pace of change and the impact of the new colours on Victorian society.

We are hoping that Members and Guests will take the opportunity to come to the Atrium.  

For those unable to be present at the Atrium, this lecture will also be streamed via Zoom, but only to those who registered in advance.

You are requested to sign up for the lecture beforehand, also if you are coming to join us in person at the Atrium, by clicking on the sentence at the 'How to book' section.