Madder, Weld & Woad: The Three Primaries

Sat 18 & Sun 19 April, 10am-4pm

From the three primaries a whole spectrum of colour emerges…

During this two-day workshop, Lucy and Edward of Old Mill Arts will guide you through the botanical inks by focusing on three plants that have been the source of colour for thousands of years. From the madder plant root comes vibrant red, a luminous yellow from weld, and a green tinged blue from the leaves of woad.

During these workshops we cover many aspects of these plants, placing them in historical context and their individual botanical characteristics.

This is followed by a demonstration of dyeing and guidance on how to achieve pigments and ink from the plants. There will also time to experiment with some pre made inks, mixing them to see how to extend the range of colour possibilities.

This workshop is suitable for beginners who want to try making botanical dyes, and for those who have already begun their journey with natural dyes, but would like to refine their skills, or learn further skills.

About the tutors

Edward and Lucy are artists and workshop facilitators with Old Mill Arts, based in Dumfries and Galloway. After searching for a richer connection to their creative materials, the two spent several years developing and learning interwoven practices in the crafts of making art materials.   

Edward and Lucy teach all over the UK in these various crafts, empowering artists and creatives in making their own art materials linking participants to the cultural heritage of these crafts, having conversations about sustainable art practices, and illuminating the huge potential of making in collaboration with the natural world.