Black Growth CIC x The Remakery: Indigo Workshop

🎨🌱 Rooted Colour Workshop: Exploring Natural Dyes from Plants 🎨🌱
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the fascinating world of plant-based dyes as part of the Rooted Colour Project and hosted by @zoeburtuk and @lucillejunkere⁠. Supported by @theremakerylondo.

This interactive session will introduce participants to the art, science, history, and future of natural dyes. Together, we will explore how plants can be used to create a rich palette of colours while learning about the environmental and cultural significance of plant-based dyeing practices.

During the workshop, participants will:

• Learn about the Rooted Colour Project and its wider aims to connect communities through growing and creativity.
• Discover common dye plants and their unique colouring properties.
• Take part in practical demonstrations showing how colour can be extracted and processed from plants.
• Explore the science of natural dyes, including how acids, alkalis, and metal salts can alter and expand a dye palette.
• Learn about the history of colour, from traditional plant dyes to the invention of the first synthetic dye during the Industrial Revolution.
• Explore historical and contemporary uses of plant colour, including traditions from the Black diaspora and the work of modern artisans.
• Discuss how designers, textile makers, and businesses are responding to the climate emergency through the use of plant-based colour today.
• Participate in an open discussion and Q&A session.

What to bring:

1. A packed lunch if you have any dietary requirements. (Our family meal will be served on the day however we recommend bring your own food if you have any allergies or intolerances)
2. Rubber gloves to keep your hands clean.
3. A notebook and pen. 

Whether you're interested in gardening, sustainability, textiles, art, fashion, history, or simply want to learn something new, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and discover the colours growing all around us.  This workshop is part of a wider project collaboration connectioning eleven community gardens across London. Find out more on the day.

No prior experience is necessary, and all are welcome to attend.

⚠️ To attend the workshop you must sign up and spaces are limited to 20.
Please note we will not be accepting walk-ins for this session⁠.⁠ ⚠️

📅 Saturday 25th July⁠
⏰ 11 am – 3:30 pm⁠
We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes before 11:00am so we can welcome everyone and start on time.
📍 Roots Allotment, Meadow Hills Fields, Croydon CR5 2QQ⁠