Farrow & Ball #ColoursByNature
Collaborates with The Natural History Museum
9/18/2019
Farrow & Ball and the Natural History Museum have collaborated on a range of sixteen new paint colours inspired by Werner's Nomenclature of Colours. Published in 1814, this taxonomic guide to the colors of the natural world was an invaluable tool for artists of the period, and scientists such as Charlies Darwin. Each colour has an animal, vegetable and mineral reference attached to it. 'Duck Green' evokes the colour of a Mallard's neck, while 'Emerald Green' is drawn from the beauty spot on the wing of a teal drake.
Every colour described in Werner's book evokes a vision inspired by the natural world. The story of Werners's Nomenclature started in 1774 with publication by influential German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner, who sought to establish a classification system for the colours of minerals. Scottish painter Patrick Syme built off this original work, adding animals, vegetable and mineral reference attached to it. As an example 'Duck Green' evokes the colour of a Mallard's neck, while 'Emerald Green' is drawn from the beauty spot on the wing of a teal drake. 'Broccoli Brown' captures a Head of A Black headed Gull. Patrick Syme examples and text is still loved by scientists and artists today.
'With the expertise of the Natural History Museum we hope to inspire homes across the globe and what better way to do that with the eco-friendly colours inspired by nature – and we want to encourage people to discover their own colours by getting out into nature and sharing their findings with us,' says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball.
The new Colour by Nature palette of 16 hues includes vibrant and jewel-like oranges and reds, natural and opulent greens and blues, and a range of soft neutrals. The collection launches on Sept. 19 as an extension to the 132 colors on Farrow & Ball’s color card.
‘Imperial Purple transforms dining rooms and other intimate spaces, creating a luxurious look and enveloping feel’ say the Farrow & Ball experts. They also suggest using it sparingly – to update the inside of a dresser cabinet, for example. Partner it with Snow White and Ash Grey from the collection, to give a neutral scheme a cheeky hint of playfulness.
These truly are 16 magnificent colours and as a designer not only am I looking forward to sharing this palette but the story behind this new collection.
Thank you for reading and explore more of the beautiful colours below. I will look forward to hearing your favorites and pop in for your new colour card. Nicola Jane xx
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