Pastel Dyeing Demonstration

Pastel Blue in the Land of Cocagne and Its History
Pastel Dyeing Demonstration on Friday mornings during the summer in the town hall gardens; registration required.

PASTEL BLUE DYE
Pastel and Its History in the Pays de Cocagne

Nadine Guy would say that her signature is her craft. Blue is an integral part of the cultural and natural landscape of the Pays de Cocagne, so dearly cherished by its people; indeed, it is partly thanks to them that the magic of pastel endures to this day. Developing and mastering an indigo dyeing formula is a precious skill that is being revived through three known processes—chemical, organic, or both. The dyeing process itself is a time-consuming technique that is not always straightforward. The challenge of dyeing lies in reducing the pigment—that is, making it water-soluble—in an anaerobic (airless) and alkaline environment. In the vat, the liquid is yellow or green, just like the fabric when it comes out. It is only upon contact with air that it oxidizes and turns blue... This is known as immersion dyeing, meaning it is done by hand while holding the fabric upright as it is submerged into the vat.
Crafts of Today, Crafts of Tomorrow.
Master Artisan of Fine Arts
French Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognized by UNESCO,

Meet on Friday mornings during the summer in the town hall gardens and by request at the Moulin de Ginestet. (Lautrec)
Dyeing demonstration for groups of 5 or more; registration required at the Tourist Office.
April 3, 2026 – August 28, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
*For groups, please call 07 88 81 77 47
Adults: €7.50. Free for children under 12

Animaux acceptés : Non

Sprache

• French

• À partir de 6 an(s)
• Accueil groupe jusqu'à 30 personnes