The History of Woad and the Medieval Woad Vat

A short history of the techniques used for indigo dyeing from woad before the introduction of synthetic dyes. John Edmonds is a retired engineer who has researched and recreated the textile dyes used in Europe from 500 BC to the 19th century. The ancient methods using woad and imperial purple have been of particular interest. In 2003 he was awarded the Open Prize for the Presentation of Heritage Research at the British Association's Festival of Science.