Indigo dye is an important dyestuff with a distinctive blue color (see indigo). The natural dye comes from several species of plant, but nearly all indigo produced today is synthetic. Among other uses, it is used in the production of denim cloth for blue jeans.

Sources and uses

A variety of plants have provided indigo throughout history, but most natural indigo is obtained from those in the genus Indigo era, which are native to the tropics. Was the only source of the dye until about 1900? Within a short time, however, synthetic indigo had almost completely superseded natural indigo and today nearly all indigo produced is synthetic. Over one billion pairs of jeans around the world are dyed blue with azure. For many years indigo was used to produce deep navy blue colors on wool. Indigo does not bond strongly to the fiber, and wear and repeated washing may slowly remove the dye.

History

India is believed to be the oldest center of indigo dyeing in the Old World. It was a primary supplier of indigo to Europe as early as the Greco-Roman era. The association of India with indigo is reflect in the Greek word for the dye, which was indicant. The Romans used the term indium, which passed into Italian dialect and eventually into English as the word indigo. Indigo is among the oldest dyes to be used for textile dyeing and printing. Many Asian countries, such as India, China, and Japan, have second-hand indigo as a dye for centuries. The dye was also known to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Britain, Peru, and Africa. In Mesopotamia, a Neo-Babylonian cuneiform tablet of the 7th century gives a recipe for the dyeing of wool, where lapis-colored wool (quantum) is produced by repetitive fascination and airing of the cloth. Most probably, indigo was imported from India.

In 1865 the German chemist Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Adolf von Baeyer began operational with indigo. His work culminated in the first synthesis of indigo in 1880 and the statement of its chemical structure three years later. BASF developed a commercially feasible manufacturing process that was in use by 1897, and by 1913 natural indigo had been almost completely replaced by synthetic indigo. In 2002, 17,000 tons of synthetic indigo were produced worldwide.

Developments in dyeing technology

Indigo is a challenging dye to use because it is not soluble in water; to be dissolved, it must undergo a chemical change. When a submerged fabric is removed from the dye bath, the indigo quickly combines with oxygen in the air and reverts to its inexplicable form. When it first became widely available in Europe in the sixteenth century, European dyers and printers struggled with indigo because of this distinctive property.

A reindustrialize process for dyeing with indigo, used in Europe, was to dissolve the indigo in stale urine. Urine reduces the water-insoluble indigo to a soluble substance Synthetic urea to replace urine became obtainable in the 1800s.

Another preindustrial method, used in Japan, was to dissolve the indigo in a heated vat in which a culture of thermophilic, anaerobic microorganisms was maintained. Some species of such bacteria generate hydrogen as a metabolic product, which can convert inexplicable indigo into soluble indigo white.

Around 1880 the glucose method was developed. It finally enabled the direct printing of indigo onto fabric and could produce reasonably priced dark indigo prints impossible with the china blue method.

Chemical properties

The naturally occurring substance is indicant, which is colorless and soluble in water. Indicant can easily be hydrolyzed to glucose and indoxyl. Mild oxidation, such as by contact to air, converts indoxyl to indigo.

The manufacturing process developed in the late 1800s is still in use throughout the world. In this process, indoxyl is synthesized by the fusion of sodium phenylglycinate in a combination of sodium hydroxide and sodamide.

Indigo treated with sulfuric acid produces a blue-green color. It became available in the mid-1700s. It was made from excretions of a common Mediterranean Sea snail. In 1909 its structure was shown to be 6, 6′-dibromoindigo. It has never been shaped unnaturally on a profitable basis.

Flomotion

Enjoy a night of warm and soulful futuristic dance music in Concrete, the bar and cafe located in The Hayward. Nick Luscombe's Flomotion has been constantly at the forefront of modern electronic music with his popular and long-running weekly radio show, live events and DJ club nights. Luscombe is highly regarded as one of the UK's most influential selectors, pioneering a blend of 'deep club music'. Once described as a restless musical soul, his DJ sets are always varied, fresh and uplifting with Dubstep, Deep House, Detroit Techno, Jazz and Broken Beat all forming part of the mix. Expect a night of warm and soulful futuristic dance music.

Event Organiser:South Bank Centre
Event Type:Concerts
Address:Belvedere Road,London
Specialisation:Dance , Music
Postcode:SE1 8XX
Website:www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Event Name:Flomotion
Email:customer@southbankcentre.co.uk
Venue:The Hayward Concrete
Phone:087 1663 2501
Fax:
Start Date:29-02-2008
End Date:27-09-2008
Geocode:51.505722,-0.116805
Time:20:00 to 23:59
Price:Free

Culture and Iraq

A panel discussion including Richard Norton Taylor, playwright amongst others looking at art as a social and political tool.Culture and Iraq,Black Watch Post Show Talk,Barbican Theatre.

• Free to same day ticket holders

Event Organiser:The Barbican Centre
Event Type:Political
Address:Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London
Specialisation:Talk shows
Postcode:EC2Y 8DS
Website:www.barbican.org.uk
Event Name:Culture and Iraq
Email:info@barbican.org.uk
Venue:Barbican Theatre
Phone:020 7638 4141
Fax:
Start Date:17-07-2008
End Date:17-07-2008
Geocode:51.519758,-0.093898
Time:00:00 to 23:59
Price:Free

Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands

New Adventures' magical production of Edward Scissorhands is back at Sadler's Wells after a phenomenally successful World Tour that has included sell-out performances in New York, LA, San Francisco, Syndey, Melbourne and Paris. Matthew Bourne's delightful adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture is a treat for all the family. Featuring the beautiful and unmistakable theme music by Danny Elfman, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by a lonely inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward struggles to find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within. New Adventures' magical production of Edward Scissorhands is back at Sadler's Wells after a phenomenally successful World Tour that has included sell-out performances in New York, LA, San Francisco, Syndey, Melbourne and Paris. Matthew Bourne's delightful adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture is a treat for all the family. Featuring the beautiful and unmistakable theme music by Danny Elfman, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by a lonely inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward struggles to find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within.

• Family Ticket

£130 - 4 tickets, to include at least one child.

Event Organiser:The Sadlers Wells
Event Type:Exhibitions
Address:Sadler
Specialisation:Dramas , Music
Postcode:EC1R 4TN
Website:www.sadlerswells.com
Event Name:Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands
Email:events@sadlerswells.com
Venue:Sadler's Wells Theatre
Phone:020 7863 8198
Fax:020 7863 8199
Start Date:02-12-2008
End Date:18-01-2009
Geocode:51.529355,-0.106228
Time:14:30 21:30
Price:£50

The Snowman

The stage version of Raymond Briggs' much-loved book continues to delight children everywhere as it returns to the Peacock Theatre this Christmas. When a young boy's snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels, they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas. Watch spellbound as the Snowman literally flies through the night sky above you, before escaping the clutches of the evil Jack Frost to return home for Christmas morning. Suitable for all children aged two and upwards, this is a captivating mix of dance, stagecraft and music. Featuring a live orchestra, it is the perfect introduction to dance for the very young.

• Family Ticket

£90 (4 tickets inc at least 1 child)

Event Organiser:The Sadlers Wells
Event Type:Exhibitions
Address:Sadler
Specialisation:Travel , Dance , Christmas
Postcode:EC1R 4TN
Website:www.sadlerswells.com
Event Name:The Snowman
Email:events@sadlerswells.com
Venue:Peacock Theatre
Phone:020 7863 8198
Start Date:03-12-2008
Fax:020 7863 8199
End Date:11-01-2009
Geocode:51.529355,-0.106228
Time:1:00 to 20:40
Price:£30

The Rural Studio

‘Sambo’ Mockbee was the US Architect behind the Rural Studio, a programme at Auburn University, Alabama, teaching architecture students both the social responsibilities of their profession, and design and construction methods that can move community architecture into the 21st century and beyond. The studies are put to practice in the building of innovative homes and shared spaces in the economically poor Hale County, AL, where they continuously prove the potential of architecture to improve the quality of the inhabitants’ lives and unite previously conflicting social groups. Arthouse, Blockbusters, Festivals and Seasons,Barbican Film - London's most diverse cinema

Event Organiser:The Barbican Centre
Event Type:Films
Address:Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London
Specialisation:Cinemas
Postcode:EC2Y 8DS
Website:www.barbican.org.uk
Event Name:The Rural Studio
Email:info@barbican.org.uk
Venue:The Barbican Centre, Cinema 3
Phone:020 7638 4141
Fax:
Start Date:16-07-2008
End Date:16-07-2008
Geocode:51.519758,-0.093898
Time:19:00 23:59
Price:£8.50

Garbage Warrior

Maverick eco-architect Michael Reynolds was thrown out of the American Architectural Association after various of his building experiments went wrong. Now having honed his practice, he and his teams construct futuristically beautiful ‘Earthships’ in the New Mexico desert and in disaster-relief zones; 100% self-sustaining, adobe-style houses that generate their own energy through Reynolds’ visionary methods of design using old tyres, beer bottles and clay, and whatever else inspiring is lying around. This is a portrait of a man who knows how we should live – and will make you want to join him. UK 2007 Dir. Oliver Hodge 86 min.

Event Organiser:The Barbican Centre
Event Type:Films
Address:Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London
Specialisation:Cinemas , Theatre
Postcode:EC2Y 8DS
Website:www.barbican.org.uk
Event Name:Garbage Warrior
Email:info@barbican.org.uk
Venue:The Barbican Centre, Cinema 3
Phone:020 7638 4141
Start Date:16-07-2008
Fax:
End Date:16-07-2008
Geocode:51.519758,-0.093898
Time:20:15 to 23:59
Price:£8.50

Flomotion

Enjoy a night of warm and soulful futuristic dance music in Concrete, the bar and cafe located in The Hayward. Nick Luscombe's Flomotion has been constantly at the forefront of modern electronic music with his popular and long-running weekly radio show, live events and DJ club nights. Luscombe is highly regarded as one of the UK's most influential selectors, pioneering a blend of 'deep club music'. Once described as a restless musical soul, his DJ sets are always varied, fresh and uplifting with Dubstep, Deep House, Detroit Techno, Jazz and Broken Beat all forming part of the mix. Expect a night of warm and soulful futuristic dance music.

Event Organiser:South Bank Centre
Event Type:Concerts
Address:Belvedere Road,London
Specialisation:Dance , Music
Postcode:SE1 8XX
Website:www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Event Name:Flomotion
Email:customer@southbankcentre.co.uk
Venue:The Hayward Concrete
Phone:087 1663 2501
Fax:
Start Date:29-02-2008
End Date:27-09-2008
Geocode:51.505722,-0.116805
Time:20:00 to 23:59
Price:Free

Culture and Iraq

A panel discussion including Richard Norton Taylor, playwright amongst others looking at art as a social and political tool.Culture and Iraq,Black Watch Post Show Talk,Barbican Theatre.

• Free to same day ticket holders

Event Organiser:The Barbican Centre
Event Type:Political
Address:Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London
Specialisation:Talk shows
Postcode:EC2Y 8DS
Website:www.barbican.org.uk
Event Name:Culture and Iraq
Email:info@barbican.org.uk
Venue:Barbican Theatre
Phone:020 7638 4141
Fax:
Start Date:17-07-2008
End Date:17-07-2008
Geocode:51.519758,-0.093898
Time:00:00 to 23:59
Price:Free

Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands

New Adventures' magical production of Edward Scissorhands is back at Sadler's Wells after a phenomenally successful World Tour that has included sell-out performances in New York, LA, San Francisco, Syndey, Melbourne and Paris. Matthew Bourne's delightful adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture is a treat for all the family. Featuring the beautiful and unmistakable theme music by Danny Elfman, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by a lonely inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward struggles to find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within. New Adventures' magical production of Edward Scissorhands is back at Sadler's Wells after a phenomenally successful World Tour that has included sell-out performances in New York, LA, San Francisco, Syndey, Melbourne and Paris. Matthew Bourne's delightful adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture is a treat for all the family. Featuring the beautiful and unmistakable theme music by Danny Elfman, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by a lonely inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward struggles to find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within.

• Family Ticket

£130 - 4 tickets, to include at least one child.

Event Organiser:The Sadlers Wells
Event Type:Exhibitions
Address:Sadler
Specialisation:Dramas , Music
Postcode:EC1R 4TN
Website:www.sadlerswells.com
Event Name:Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands
Email:events@sadlerswells.com
Venue:Sadler's Wells Theatre
Phone:020 7863 8198
Fax:020 7863 8199
Start Date:02-12-2008
End Date:18-01-2009
Geocode:51.529355,-0.106228
Time:14:30 21:30
Price:£50

The Snowman

The stage version of Raymond Briggs' much-loved book continues to delight children everywhere as it returns to the Peacock Theatre this Christmas. When a young boy's snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels, they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas. Watch spellbound as the Snowman literally flies through the night sky above you, before escaping the clutches of the evil Jack Frost to return home for Christmas morning. Suitable for all children aged two and upwards, this is a captivating mix of dance, stagecraft and music. Featuring a live orchestra, it is the perfect introduction to dance for the very young.

• Family Ticket

£90 (4 tickets inc at least 1 child)

Event Organiser:The Sadlers Wells
Event Type:Exhibitions
Address:Sadler
Specialisation:Travel , Dance , Christmas
Postcode:EC1R 4TN
Website:www.sadlerswells.com
Event Name:The Snowman
Email:events@sadlerswells.com
Venue:Peacock Theatre
Phone:020 7863 8198
Start Date:03-12-2008
Fax:020 7863 8199
End Date:11-01-2009
Geocode:51.529355,-0.106228
Time:1:00 to 20:40
Price:£30

The Rural Studio

‘Sambo’ Mockbee was the US Architect behind the Rural Studio, a programme at Auburn University, Alabama, teaching architecture students both the social responsibilities of their profession, and design and construction methods that can move community architecture into the 21st century and beyond. The studies are put to practice in the building of innovative homes and shared spaces in the economically poor Hale County, AL, where they continuously prove the potential of architecture to improve the quality of the inhabitants’ lives and unite previously conflicting social groups. Arthouse, Blockbusters, Festivals and Seasons,Barbican Film - London's most diverse cinema

Event Organiser:The Barbican Centre
Event Type:Films
Address:Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London
Specialisation:Cinemas
Postcode:EC2Y 8DS
Website:www.barbican.org.uk
Event Name:The Rural Studio
Email:info@barbican.org.uk
Venue:The Barbican Centre, Cinema 3
Phone:020 7638 4141
Fax:
Start Date:16-07-2008
End Date:16-07-2008
Geocode:51.519758,-0.093898
Time:19:00 23:59
Price:£8.50

Garbage Warrior

Maverick eco-architect Michael Reynolds was thrown out of the American Architectural Association after various of his building experiments went wrong. Now having honed his practice, he and his teams construct futuristically beautiful ‘Earthships’ in the New Mexico desert and in disaster-relief zones; 100% self-sustaining, adobe-style houses that generate their own energy through Reynolds’ visionary methods of design using old tyres, beer bottles and clay, and whatever else inspiring is lying around. This is a portrait of a man who knows how we should live – and will make you want to join him. UK 2007 Dir. Oliver Hodge 86 min.

Event Organiser:The Barbican Centre
Event Type:Films
Address:Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London
Specialisation:Cinemas , Theatre
Postcode:EC2Y 8DS
Website:www.barbican.org.uk
Event Name:Garbage Warrior
Email:info@barbican.org.uk
Venue:The Barbican Centre, Cinema 3
Phone:020 7638 4141
Start Date:16-07-2008
Fax:
End Date:16-07-2008
Geocode:51.519758,-0.093898
Time:20:15 to 23:59
Price:£8.50