In the 1800s, green clothing and wallpaper was often dyed using Scheele Green, which was discovered by Swedish chemist Carl Scheele and derived from copper arsenite. Unfortunately, the deathly side effect of the beautiful green dye was arsenic poisoning. This most likely contributed to the colour green being perceived as unlucky.
That’s absolutely fascinating Ann, and had never occurred to me before. It really does make perfect sense, and of course my great-grandmother was a nineteenth century woman so the effects of the dye were probably playing out around her.
Thank you Geneviève, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I can see a couple more topics from mum’s book that I can hopefully draw together into future Bracken & Wrack articles!
Oh, those moths and the yellow and black striped caterpillars! There were so many when we lived in Gloucestershire back in the 50s and 60s, yet I've not seen them in years. Never knew what they were called at the time!
In the 1800s, green clothing and wallpaper was often dyed using Scheele Green, which was discovered by Swedish chemist Carl Scheele and derived from copper arsenite. Unfortunately, the deathly side effect of the beautiful green dye was arsenic poisoning. This most likely contributed to the colour green being perceived as unlucky.
That’s absolutely fascinating Ann, and had never occurred to me before. It really does make perfect sense, and of course my great-grandmother was a nineteenth century woman so the effects of the dye were probably playing out around her.
I love your writing as well as the folklore from your mother's book that you so generously shared. Looking forward to the next article!
Thank you Geneviève, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I can see a couple more topics from mum’s book that I can hopefully draw together into future Bracken & Wrack articles!
I loved reading about your new midsummer home! I was almost there! X
I am enjoying the Laurie Lee poems. So earthy.
Oh, those moths and the yellow and black striped caterpillars! There were so many when we lived in Gloucestershire back in the 50s and 60s, yet I've not seen them in years. Never knew what they were called at the time!