Blueprint from history to the present days

8.8.2024 14:06  |  Blueprints

Blueprinting is a printing technique with a rich history and origin. Traditionally, it was formed using a substance, called reserve, applied to wooden or metal moulds. This substance was then applied to the fabric and protected it in areas that were to remain undyed. Then the canvas was coldly soaked in an indigo bath.

Blueprint in the world
The roots of this method go back to China and India and date back to approximately the 16th century. The blue colour was obtained from the extract of the indigo tree, a plant with the botanical name Indigofera tinctoria, specifically from its leaves, by oxidation and fermentation. The popularity of blueprinting grew rapidly and gradually spread to other parts of Asia, Europe and Africa. The technique of blueprinting has thus left a distinctive trace in many cultures. It was widely used to produce traditional clothing, special occasion garments and various decorative items. In 2018, the Blueprint was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List for five countries: Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Blueprints in our countries
Blueprinting began to penetrate Czech culture as early as the 18th century. Initially, it was a luxury item that adorned the clothing of the nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie. During the 19th century it spread further among the rural population. With the growing demand, numerous manufactories and workshops specialising in the production of blueprints were established in the Czech lands. In addition to its practical function, it also represented an important artistic expression and legacy passed down from generation to generation.

Involvement of modern technologies
Traditional blueprint making requires careful procedures and knowledge. Production in this way is very demanding not only in terms of time but also in terms of the interplay of all processes. That's why the blueprints you can find in our e-shop www.textil.eu are made using modern technologies. However, we are fully aware of its value in our culture, and therefore the designs of each pattern and shade are carefully created in accordance with tradition. We are inspired by the handmade work of honest Czech craftsmen who continue to enrich our present with this technique.

Tradition in today's household
Blueprinting is currently experiencing a rise in popularity. In addition to clothing, it can also be used to decorate your home. It will be unmissable as bed linen, cushion covers, tea towels, curtains, tablecloths and other decorative textiles.

A few interesting facts about the blueprint
The first blueprint manufactory in Europe was founded by the Dutchman Jacob Grouw at the end of the 17th century. The first manufactory in our country was founded by Josef Maxmilián Kinský in the village of Sloup near Česká Lípa. The most popular material for making moulds was pear, walnut or plum wood. The most used fabrics were cotton, linen and hemp. The shades of colours depended on the number of times the fabric was soaked and the concentration of the indigo bath.