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Mauve: The colour that changed the world
In the area of study: Design, you will investigate fabric colouration and decoration and the principles of applying colour to fabric. One of the most significant developments was the production of the first synthetic dye. This tutorial links to an article that gives a great overview of colouration and in particular the impact of mauve on fashion and many other aspects of contemporary life.
Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus
outcome:
H1.3 The student identifies the principles of colouration
for specific end-uses.
Extract from Stage 6 Textiles and Design
Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW 2007.
Activity
Click on the following websites and read the following articles to gain an overview of the impact of the development of the first synthetic dye on textile colouration:
Sir William Henry Perkin (1838-1907): the Discovery of Aniline Purple: http://www.mosi.org.uk/media/33871452/sirwilliamhenryperkin.pdf 
Passionate About Purple: A Brief History of the Color Purple: http://artsociety.suite101.com/article.cfm/passionate_about_purple
- When was the first synthetic dye discovered?
- What impact did this discovery have on consumers and the textile industry in the society?
- Identify the natural source of the colour ‘purple’.
- Why was the colour purple once only affordable to royalty or the very wealthy?
- List the symbolism attached to the colour purple.
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