Dye Sample: Caledon Gold Original

Caledon Gold Original, a vat dye sample. Made by Scottish Dyes Limited, Grangemouth.

For thousands of years, and in cultures all over the world, people have been using plant and animal products to colour textiles. Without dyes, we wouldn’t see the full spectrum of colours in our wardrobes and around our homes that we see today.

Manchester’s textiles industry needed quality dyes that were consistent and stable. During the 1800s, much research into natural dyes for use in the textile industry was carried out. Then, in London in the 1850s, William Perkin discovered the first successful artificial dye, the purple colour ‘Mauveine’. His discovery kick-started a new chemical industry producing brighter, cheaper and longer-lasting colouring products that changed the textile industry forever.

British Dyes Ltd merged with Levinstein Ltd and later with other companies to create Imperial Chemical Industries Limited (ICI). By the 1920’s ICI had become a global leader in dyes from their factory in Blackley, north Manchester.

The textile industry today continues to use chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Up to 20% of global water pollution is attributed to textile dyeing and treatment. Research in Universities and within the textile dye industry continues today to develop dyes that are non-toxic, biodegradable and durable, lessening their negative impact.