A Colorful Tour
Explore the histories—and legacies—of textile dyes such as indigo, mauve, and Paris green with BOLD curator Lisa Berry Drago.
The Science History Institute’s BOLD: Color From Test Tube to Textile exhibition recently closed so we could install our new exhibition, Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray, which opens September 27.
But you can still experience BOLD.
In the video below, join curator Lisa Berry Drago on a tour of the sciences, technologies, and techniques that have colored our clothing for more than a thousand years. Featuring dye sample books, vibrant fashions, and instruments like a fade-ometer, the exhibition offers a history of textile dying that is not so black and white.
More from our collections blog
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Highlighting the journeys and contributions of scientists who immigrated to the United States in the 20th century.
The ‘Microbe Hunters’ Go to School
What a 1932 special edition of Paul de Kruif’s bestselling book reveals about U.S. science education.
Natural Blues
In a world dominated by synthetic textile dyes, natural alternatives persist.