Lectures on Tap - "The History and Science of the Color Purple"
About this Event
📍 Location: Exact address given in confirmation email
🧠 Lecture: "The History and Science of the Color Purple"
🎤 Speaker: Dr. Julian R. Silverman
Why has purple long been linked to royalty, wealth, and mystery—and what’s hidden beneath its beautiful hue? Join us for a vivid journey through the history of purple, from rare ancient shellfish dyes and alchemical experiments to the rise of synthetic chemistry and the age of mass consumption.
We’ll uncover the science behind purple pigments and their sometimes-toxic origins, and see how a color once reserved for emperors came to shape fashion, industry, and identity across the globe.
Dr. Julian R. Silverman is a Chemist and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology who researches how to transform waste into valuable feedstocks for consumer products. Years ago, he stumbled upon the story of Perkin’s pinkish-purple dye, mauveine—a discovery that forever changed both the world and his own life. Since then, he’s been captivated by this secondary color and its power to inspire awe across the arts and sciences. In his spare time, you might find him fermenting lichen in his apartment in search of the perfect purple dye.
Get a drink, connect, and learn at Lectures on Tap! 🙌
Agenda
6:30 PM – Doors open: find a seat (open seating!), order food & drinks, and expect a bar line—arriving early is key.
6:55 PM – Host introduction
7:00 PM – Lecture begins
7:45 PM – Audience Q&A
8:00 PM – Have 1:1 time with the speaker, mingle with fellow guests, and order another round
8:30 PM – Wrap up.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 41.32
