32nd Dyes in History and Archaeology Meeting

The 32nd Dyes in History and Archaeology Meeting will take place from 03-04 October in La Rochelle, France, and call for proposed presentations is now open.The conference will focus on all issues concerning colorants: dyes and organic pigments, natural and synthetic, but with the exclusion of present-day industrial applications. Contributions to the conference should be related to the history, chemistry, application and characterization of these colorants, and their role in Art and Culture worldwide and through all historical periods.Papers of an interdisciplinary nature that apply technical findings and analytical evidence to cultural issues are especially encouraged. Wider discussions of issues such as origin, trade, symbolism and aesthetic function are also welcome. Technical papers concerning other aspects of dyes and pigments will also be considered for inclusion in the conference programme.The topics presented will be of interest to an international audience of conservators, curators, historians, art historians, craftsmen, artists and scientists. Further InformationFor all necessary details, consult the DHA 32 page of www.critt-horticole.com . For queries about the meeting, please contact Dominique Cardon or Anne de La Sayette  DHA32@critt-horticole.com  - Tel:  + 33 -  (0)5 46 99 17 01The informal meeting will be of interest to those involved in the conservation of dyed textiles or in historic dyes, and will provide an opportunity to network with delegates from many countries.The format will be almost the same as last year. The Wednesday evening meeting is followed by two days of oral presentations and posters and the Saturday excursion will take us to the seashore at Fouras, a village not far from La Rochelle, to meet the local species of purple-giving molluscs, then on to Rochefort, to visit the “King’s Garden” and its dye plants collection, followed by a guided tour of the CRITT’s extraction and application laboratory. The conference banquet will take place on Friday 4th in the town centre in La Rochelle, with focus on local fish and seafood.