Morton Sundour Fabrics - The Splendour of Unfadeable Dyes

Explore the fascinating intersection of chemistry and textile history in this 58-minute lecture that delves into the revolutionary discovery of anthraquinoid vat dyes and their profound impact on the textile industry. Learn how René Bohn's 1901 breakthrough at BASF led to the development of fade-resistant synthetic textile dyes, which became the foundation for James Morton's innovative British company, Morton Sundour Fabrics. Discover how Morton transformed his father's lace-making business into a diverse network of influential UK companies spanning dye manufacturing, dyeing, printing, and weaving. Examine the technical properties of these unique molecules and their significance in expanding the twentieth-century textile design palette, while understanding how their unprecedented color stability revolutionized fabric production and design possibilities.