Imperial Purple to Marie Antoninette’s Fleas: The Colourful History of Textiles

Presented by Susan Kay-Williams

In this lecture, Susan explores the fascinating story of how dyes were discovered, made, and used from the earliest times to the end of the 18th century. Susan will look at the social importance of certain colours including red, blue, and purple. The use of colour in textiles is a story that travels from Europe to India and the Americas; a tale of exploration, invention, war, the church, money, power and sex!

Dates and Locations

Sunday 1 March 2026 Cairns (QLD)

Wednesday 4 March 2026 Geelong (VIC)

Tuesday 10 March 2026 Canberra (ACT)

Monday 16 March 2026 Fleurieu (SA)

Monday 23 March 2026 Margaret River (WA)

Click on your preferred location above for more details and to book tickets.