A pioneering farmer from Norfolk, Ian Howard has perfected the method of growing and processing Woad, a spinach like crop, to turn it into a natural indigo dye with which he produces wonderful fabrics, throws and cushions.

A traditional dye, Woad was used by the Ancient Britons as face paint during battle and up until the 1930’s the British bobby used Woad to dye his uniform. The arrival of synthetic indigo in the Far East saw the demise of this traditional UK industry. Unfortunately, synthetic indigo is made from benzene derivatives – a by-product of the petroleum industry. In order to make the dye, it is mixed with other chemicals including hydrogen cyanide and later hydrosulphites in order to adhere to fabric. It is clear that waste water from these processes have lead to damage to local eco-systems.

Interested in researching alternative crops, Ian Howard settled on producing Woad at his farm in Norfolk, where the pigment producing leaves are steeped, baked and ground to produce the indigo pigment. Interestingly, when the fabric is first dyed with woad it turns yellow, then green and finally blue through a process of oxygenisation. Ian and his wife Bernadette now employ local craftsmen to help produce their range of gorgeous soft furnishings for the home.