Ian Howard
2022
Ian and Bernadette Howard founded Woad-Inc, the only commercial woad production centre in Britain in modern times. They diversified from regular arable farming into pigment production from plants and grew Woad (Isatis tinctoria) as part of the EU funded Spindigo project (2000-2003) in the UK. From 2004 Woad-Inc continued the research to achieve higher indigotin yields and pigment purity to establish a saleable product for market. Ian and Bernadette developed a range of textiles and toiletries incorporating woad, working closely with crafts specialists. Ian continues to give talks, lectures and demonstrations as well as consultancy work.
My Sessions
British Grown Plant Dyes – An Unmet Demand
Ashley Walker
Deborah Barker
Susan Dye
Vanessa Barker
Ian Howard
There is an ever increasing demand from designers for British grown plant dyes. Our panellists will share their expertise in plant dyes, dye farming, processing and demand. We will discuss ways to encourage farmers to explore dye plants and overcome the challenges involved in growing, harvesting and processing successful crops. Hear the story of Ian […]
Introducing Plant Dyes
Ian Howard (retired) founder of Woad Inc. and Ashley Walker of Nature’s Rainbow talk about dye plants with known or potential commercial application in the UK, including: Woad (Isatis tinctoria), Weld (Reseda luteola), Madder (Rubia tinctorum), Dyer’s Chamomile (Cota tinctoria) and Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) growing in a 3m x 3m demonstration plot. Ian will […]
Introducing Plant Dyes
Ian Howard (retired) founder of Woad Inc. and Ashley Walker of Nature’s Rainbow talk about dye plants with known or potential commercial application in the UK, including: Woad (Isatis tinctoria), Weld (Reseda luteola), Madder (Rubia tinctorum), Dyer’s Chamomile (Cota tinctoria) and Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) growing in a 3m x 3m demonstration plot. Ian will […]