4 0 c m
33cm
actual image size: 25cm x 32cm
Description
This silk dres is dyed with Sir William Henry Perkin's (1838-1907) original mauve aniline dye. The purple, even though it has faded, has a richnes unachievable by natural dyes. The introduction of synthetic dyes had a huge impact on both the textile industry and fashion.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10321321
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library