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An unknown 18th-century Flemish dyer's manuscript from Antwerp

Understanding, researching, and reproducing the reality of an 18th-century dyer

Goals of the project

This rare manuscript was donated to the Museum of Industry in 2020 and contains all the knowledge and expertise of an 18th-century dyer based in Antwerp. Through this artifact, we want to understand the dyeing processes and reproduce them, as well as have an insight into the world and the everyday workings of a dyer back in the time.

This research is ongoing, and the manuscript is being analyzed within the ARCHES research group of the University of Antwerp

Figure 1

Phase 1

Reconstruction of the historical context in which the manuscript was written and general overview.

Figure 2

Phase 2

Interpretation and practical reproduction of the recipes contained within the manuscript.

Figure 3

Phase 3

Technical analysis of samples and materials utilized by the dyer. Comparison of original samples and reproductions.

Figure 4

Phase 4

Archivation and comparison to other sources. Tracing knowledge spreading patterns troughout time.

Phase 1 of the research is at this moment coming to a conclusion, and the results are in the process of being published. The project is at the moment focussing on phase 2, but also the first analysis of phase 3 will start taking place shortly. This page will be updated as the research develops.

References:
Figures 1-2: Cover and recipes from the Antwerp manuscript
Figure 3: Example of the proposed methodology: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-PDA)
Figure 4: Front of dyer's manuscript Conste des Ververs (Archives of Leuven)

Any questions?

Emile.lupatini@uantwerpen.be

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