Since its creation by Henri Lambert in 1994, Le Bleu de Lectoure has led the way in the revival of interest in Dyers’ Woad (Isatis Tinctoria).
Over a period of years, Henri Lambert succeeded in bringing traditional dyeing methods back to life and built up awareness of the Le Bleu de Lectoure brand.
Wishing to go even further, he went about setting up partnerships with experts in other fields such as paint products, cosmetics and fine arts, thus increasing the company’s international renown.
Throughout this time, Henri Lambert passed on his enthusiasm and expert knowledge of Woad to his assistant Cécile Gex.
In 2016, the company was faced with the threat of closure due to a lack of raw material (the Woad itself). A local farmer, Jean-Marie Neels, who was interested in growing Woad on his land, stepped in to take over the company and asked Cécile to become his partner in the dyeing process.
Today the company produces both Woad leaves and seeds as well as extracting the pigment and continuing to develop dyeing techniques.
Jean-Marie and Cécile decided to go further in their passion for this “Bleu” and learned how to apply the traditional methods of plant-based dyeing through both reading and training with the Masters of the trade, with the result that the dyeing methods used by the company today are 100% natural, just as in the heyday of Woad production, between the 16th and 19th centuries.
The company is located in Lectoure’s old train station, 15 avenue de la Gare.
Jean-Marie and Cécile regularly organise visits which take the form of talks and demonstrations, including the history and origins of Woad as well as its ancient and modern uses in the fields of dyeing and medicine.
The story of Woad goes on …
Visits and Talks
For individuals and groups who wish to get a closer look at our craft, Le Bleu de Lectoure offers to bring you into the heart of this blue universe by introducing you to the Woad plant, telling you about its history, explaining how it is extracted and used for dyeing, and finally presenting the company itself.
Woad (Isis Tinctoria) has been our passion for over 20 years, and we will be more than happy
to show you this noble art and the way in which we use only natural methods to dye textiles.
We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you very soon!
Come and look at the world through blue-tinted glasses!