Katie Taylor Crutchley Dyeing Archive
The Crutchley family were dyers in the 18th century with dye-works in Southwark, London.
Fourteen of the Crutchley’s dyeing and business account books dating from around 1716-1744 were retained by the family and have been donated to the Southwark Local History Library and Archive.
The three books selected as conservation priorities are the earliest in the collection. They include a recipe book with instructions for dyeing broadcloth, a pattern book and an ingredient book, all with dyed samples. It is rare that material culture relating to dyed textile production of this type and period survives, as a provenanced collection in such good condition and extent.
The three books will be treated for mould, the pages cleaned and resized, and loose dye samples will be fixed. When the books are in a stable condition and fit for handling they will digitised.
The Crutchley archive presents a rich study resource for historians of textile production, dyes and dyeing, dress and textile history, fashion, economics and business.
