This manual is the result of many years research and practical investigation of commercial dyeing of the 18th century and earlier. It is based largely on the work of William Partridge, a master dyer in New York in 1800. The original recipes are given together with modern instructions for use by todays dyeing enthusiasts. In 1823 Partridge wrote that he would like to have published an illustrated version of his treatise on dying (sic). The cost then would have been prohibitive. Today we can fulfil Partridge's dream, at least in part, with the aid of modern photography. This manual includes approximately 160 recipes, many of which are illustrated, together with photographs of surviving 18th century dye swatches. John Edmonds has supplied replicas of historic dyeing for scientific analysis in studies of archaeological artifacts. He was awarded the 2003 Open Prize for the Presentation of Heritage research by the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
