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William Morris |
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Morris
disliked the synthetic dyes intensely. He thought the colours produced
were weak and garish, and criticised them for the speed with which they
faded. His comments on synthetic dyes were scathing: 'Of these dyes it
must be enough to say that their discovery, while conferring the greatest
honour on the abstract science of chemistry, and while doing great service
to capitalists in their hunt after profits, has terribly injured the art
of dyeing, and for the general public has nearly destroyed it as an art.'
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The
discovery and introduction into the trade of synthetic dyestuffs revolutionised
19th century textile production. They were easy and quick to use, cheap
too, and provided a wide range of previously unavailable colours, but
their launch onto the market increased competition between dye manufacturers
and subsequently textile producers. Old methods of natural dyeing were
quickly abandoned in favour of new dyes.
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Morris
concluded that the only way of getting the colours he wanted was to explore
and learn the techniques of vegetable dyeing for himself. In 1865 he began
initial experiments, dyeing plain fabrics and embroidery threads, and
studying historic sources for reference.
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