20 Nov Colour in Interiors, 11 December 2024
Join the Colour Group GB for an insightful event exploring the multifaceted role of colour in interiors. Featuring distinguished speakers from diverse disciplines, this event will examine the history, theory, and practical application of colour in interior spaces.
Topics will encompass historical practices, contemporary trends, colour design communication, and the role of colour in promoting equality, offering a comprehensive view of the impact of colour on design and user experience. This event is an invaluable opportunity for architects, designers, historians, and researchers to deepen their understanding of the complex interplay between colour and interiors, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange across fields.
Date and Time: Wednesday 11th December 14:00-17:00
Venue: Room ELG04, Drysdale Building, City St George’s, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB
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Presenter 1 Dr Zöe Hendon
Biography: Dr Zoe Hendon is a curator and design historian, previously at the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture, Middlesex University. Currently working part time at the Crafts Study Centre in Farnham, she is continuing to pursue her long-term interest in Grace Lovat Fraser, with the intention of publishing her research at some point.
@zoehendon on Twitter/X, @nicebricks on Instagram
Presentation Title: Colour in the Interwar Home: Grace Lovat Fraser as Design Advisor
Presentation Abstract: This paper considers the role of Grace Lovat Fraser in the promotion of colour in the interwar home. Grace Lovat Fraser was a design advisor, performer and communicator, working in magazines, radio, and department stores. Her name is little known now, but in the interwar period she was recognized as the leading authority on advice on the use of colour by ordinary consumers in their homes. This paper looks at how she developed her ideas and how she communicated them, including through partnerships with paint companies such as Pinchin & Johnson.
Presenter 2 Patrick Baty
Biography: Patrick has an artistic background. Two great grandparents were the artists Robert Bevan and Stanisława de Karłowska. Since leaving the Army he has pursued a career in the decoration of historic buildings. His work covers research, paint analysis, colour & technical advice. Projects have ranged from King Henry VIII’s heraldic Beasts and London social housing estates to major structures such as Tower Bridge.
He lectures on a variety of subjects and has written numerous articles and two books – ‘The Anatomy of Colour’ and ‘Nature’s Palette’, both published by Thames & Hudson.
He has co-curated several exhibitions and is currently researching the artist members of that extraordinary regiment – The Artists Rifles.
He and his wife run the family business Papers and Paints, in Chelsea.
Instagram – @patrick_baty / @papersandpaints / @anatomyofcolour / @wernerscolours
LinkedIn – Patrick Baty
X – @patrickbaty
Presentation Title: The Use of Colour ca.1700-1820
Presentation Abstract: Patrick will explain how one can learn what paint colours were used during this period. The treatment of panelled rooms – in particular, the disposition of colour – will be discussed, with examples of how many modern decorators misunderstand this and produce nonsensical results.
The ‘Good Taste Brigade’ would have one believe that all early paints were ‘chalky’. This is far from true and the advantages of a finish with a sheen will be explained. Our ancestors were no fools, and different sorts of paints (and different colours) were employed to cope with practical issues – many of which are still relevant today.
During the 18th century ready-mixed paint colours were sold by the colourman and Patrick will outline those being offered. The prices charged for various colours will be given and, it will be seen, that there was a distinct hierarchy of colours. These prizes remained constant for much of the century. Again, this is something that is not widely understood.
He will then outline the conventions behind the use of colour in certain parts of the house with examples taken from recent restoration projects. Some might be surprised at the (often) monochromatic treatment of 18th century houses.
He will end with some examples of quite unusual decorative schemes that have been uncovered and also show that there are occasions where a ‘pure’ approach to redecoration might be disregarded.
Presenter 3 Dr Begüm Ulusoy
Biography: Dr Begüm Ulusoy has received BA (Hons), MFA, and PhD degrees, and has worked at various universities including the University of Huddersfield, University of Lincoln, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, and Bilkent University. Dr Ulusoy’s research focuses on colour, material, and finishes, sustainability, building science, and cross-cultural studies. She’s currently the Master of Architecture (Part 2 ARB/RIBA) Course Leader at Arts University Bournemouth.
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5714-6575
@drbegumulusoy on Instagram
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beg%C3%BCm-ulusoy-ab3a43a9
Personal website: https://drbegumulusoy.com/
Presentation Title: Colour and Equality in Interiors
Presentation Abstract: Interiors, beyond serving as shelters, act as a medium to express our identity, foster attachment and convey our personal narrative. Colours contribute immersive experience in interiors and are inherent in materiality. Their effects and contributions to user experience are well-documented through empirical studies. Successive studies on colour application reveal knowledge that can be easily applied to real-life scenarios, bridging the gap between industry and academia. Although existing academic studies offer strong scientific insights, translating these findings into industry practice and engaging professionals and users remains a challenge.
Empirical and academic studies can reposition themselves as enablers for industry practices by reviewing existing literature and addressing the omnipresent challenges in interior spaces. Considering the rising cost of living and persistent challenges in housing design, colours provide architects, designers, and users with more democratic, flexible, affordable, and versatile tools for transforming the landlords’ properties into tenants’ homes. A collective effort by researchers, architects, and designers can spark further discussions on how to apply colour in residential interiors to mitigate users’ stress over retaining their deposits at the end their leases. This presentation aims to foster further discussion, dialogue, and communication while informing the audience about the author’s empirical studies on colour in residential interiors, as well as colour applications in other typologies, in relation to relevant research findings.
Presenter 4: Professor Carinna Parraman
Biography: Carinna Parraman is Professor of Design Colour and Print, Director of Centre for Print Research, University of the West of England, Bristol. Carinna is artist, printmaker and collaborator, her research spans the art and science of colour printing, structural colour, halftoning, colour perception and appearance, and exploring new ways to print colour.
@carinna.parraman Instagram
Presentation Title: What colour to choose? The market of colour in the domestic paint market
Presentation Abstract: When did you last buy paint? During a trip to a DIY shop and standing in the paint aisle, one is presented with a vast array of pots of paint, match pots, paint charts and colour swatches. Choosing colour can be an expensive process for consumers, and marketing paint to a DIY market is fundamental for maintaining consumer loyalty. But what colour to choose? Who has not been tempted by a paint name such as Hellebore or Tivoli? or has run a finger over the colour cards, or pulled out a few swatches for the simple pleasure to take home? Paint has been transformed from an unobtrusive coating on the wall to an interior design choice and lifestyle statement. How did we come to have such a huge range of colours or colour terms, and how might that uninhibited rash paint purchase lead to a DIY blunder?
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Meeting is free to attend but please book your place so we can have a better idea on catering numbers!
