[en] The results of an observing programme to investigate the nature and degree of reddening of a number of stars in the field towards the dark cloud and T-association in Chamaeleon are presented. The observations comprise optical (UBVRI) and infrared (JHK) photometry, and optical spectroscopy. New and previously published data are combined to assess membership criteria for 110 stars, and separate catalogues of association members and field stars are presented. Optical identifications are listed for 27 IRAS point sources in the region. The reddening/distance relation for field stars indicates a distance to the cloud of 140 + - 12 pc. (author)