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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Northumberland => Topic started by: AllanUK on Sunday 14 September 25 13:48 BST (UK)

Title: John Alnwick, Gateshead Merchant
Post by: AllanUK on Sunday 14 September 25 13:48 BST (UK)
Can anyone explain the product that John Alnwick was selling in 1725?

'All sorts of Figg and Flat Indico for Washers

(image courtesy of Find My Past)
Title: Re: John Alnwick, Gateshead Merchant
Post by: AlanBoyd on Sunday 14 September 25 14:12 BST (UK)
Similar terms recorded here:

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG217606

Shorter Oxford Dictionary has ‘indico’ as a variant of ‘indigo’.
Title: Re: John Alnwick, Gateshead Merchant
Post by: AlanBoyd on Sunday 14 September 25 14:32 BST (UK)
A practical treatise of flowers by Peter Aram published in the 17th century

A modern edition is available at archive.org published in 1985 by the Leeds Philosophical Society

Quote
If you would have a black Gilliflower, make a Tincture of burnt Cork, Eller Cones, Charcole dust, to which add some of the best Indigo it being ye Mucilage or Sludge of a Vegetable called Nil, brought to the consistency of Paste, which is made into the form we usually see it, & in the Shops is called Fig-Indigo from its resembling ye Fruit when dryed in shape or form. If dissolved in Water, it will make a deep Tincture to be used as is directed in the Article aforegoing.

It’s clear from lots of other sources that ‘flat indigo’ is another form of the dye but I haven’t been able to find a precise description.
Title: Re: John Alnwick, Gateshead Merchant
Post by: hanes teulu on Sunday 14 September 25 15:03 BST (UK)
I'd headed off into the world of dyeing(washing). Tavernier's 1680 travels mention
Title: Re: John Alnwick, Gateshead Merchant
Post by: AllanUK on Sunday 14 September 25 17:13 BST (UK)
Thank you both for a clear answer.