FABRIC BLUEPRINTING  
MODROTLAČ

Fabric blueprinting in is one of the more important art forms in Slovak folk craft. Under fabric blueprinting we understand fabric dyed with indigo and printed with different designs. This old Slovak folk tradition was the idea behind the exposition held last fall at the Zvolen's Forestry and Wood Museum. Museum owns a collection final products as well as fabric blueprinting forms from master dye maker Mikulas Furdik. Blueprinting forms are substantial proof documenting the existence of fabric blueprinting in Zvolen. Their artistic value is unforgettable. These forms are an important artistic artifact and document about the skillfulness and artistic taste of people in the past. Oldest forms are made completely of wood. Evolutionary younger are forms of wood with combination of brass wires, sheet metal, or tiny nails. Their hammering into the wood made it possible to make tiny patterns on the fabric. Most common wood used to make the forms was pear, but walnut, prune and maple was used as well. From the ornamental treasury we can mention patterns: field flowers, buds, leaves, small grapes, birds, geometric stars, dots, straps and crowns.

Fabric blueprinting came to Europe from India in 17th century and made its way fast into towns environments. However the existence of fabric blueprinting in folk environment isn't that old. Her broader use began only from half of the 19th century. Because of its practicality and usefulness in times of celebrations or mourning became very popular. Its usefulness is noticeable in women’s clothing, aprons, skirts, coats, and scarves.

Fabric blueprinting had rich tradition in Zvolen until about 1944. Today there is only one manufacturer in Slovakia in Puchov with master Stanislav Trnka.

To do a fabric blueprints, following is needed: fabric, printing form, indigo colors, and pap (reserve mixture that is transferred to the fabric by printing form and thus forming a pattern that after coloring the fabric stays uncolored.

Blue printers start their work by bleaching the fabric in clear water to which they add lime and soda. After hot bleaching they wash it in the sulfuric acid mixed with water and wash it out again in clear water. Prior to printing the fabric was starched. Next was the printing with the forms covered with pap. Pap was a special mixture assuring that the covered areas wouldn’t get colored with indigo colors. Every one of the blue printers had his secrets. The printed fabric was then hooked on hangers and dipped in deep color bath numerous times on both sides.

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Published in the Slovak Heritage Live newsletter Volume 6, No. 1, Spring 1998
Copyright © Vladimir Linder 1998 
3804 Yale Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5C 1P6
The above article and photographs may not be copied, reproduced, republished, or redistributed by any means including electronic, without the express written permission of Vladimir Linder. All rights reserved.