Colour plays an important role in how we experience art. In a gallery, the colour of the walls can influence how we see a painting, establish the atmosphere of an exhibition and bring together works from different periods and disciplines. We’re delighted to have worked with Manchester Art Gallery as an official paint sponsor, providing natural paint colours for a number of its exhibitions and displays. As an institution committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities, Manchester Art Gallery shares our belief that the materials used to create beautiful spaces matter just as much as their appearance. Walls painted in Tyrian Natural paint for art galleries and museums Choosing paint for an exhibition involves more than finding the right colour. Gallery walls provide the setting for artworks, often requiring shades that complement a wide variety of materials, styles and historical periods. At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, we create our palette using carefully selected earth and mineral pigments and plant-based binders. Our colours offer a rich variety of undertones, making them particularly suited to spaces where the relationship between colour, light and artwork is so important. Our collaboration with Manchester Art Gallery demonstrates how natural paint can be incorporated into cultural spaces without compromising on colour or visual impact. Walls painted in Tyrian The Climate Emergency Gallery Manchester Art Gallery’s Climate Emergency Gallery explores how art and museum collections can help us understand environmental challenges, reflect on the past and consider alternative futures. The display was developed by the gallery’s Climate Justice Group, bringing together artists, volunteers, visitors and staff to examine climate change, inequality and collective action. The project reflects the gallery’s wider commitment to considering environmental responsibility not only through the subjects of its exhibitions, but also through the materials and processes involved in creating them. We’re pleased that our natural paint has contributed to this approach, providing colour for a space dedicated to important conversations about the environment. British Art Show 9: Indigo and Florence For British Art Show 9, the gallery selected two colours from our palette: Indigo for the walls and Florence for the display plinths. Indigo is a deep, richly coloured blue that creates a striking setting for contemporary artwork, while the pale yellow of Florence introduces a lighter contrast to the exhibition displays. Curated by Irene Aristizábal and Hammad Nasar, British Art Show 9 brought together contemporary artists exploring questions of identity, community, politics and alternative futures. The exhibition demonstrated how strongly coloured gallery walls can contribute to the presentation of art, rather than simply serving as a neutral background. Walls painted in Tingry. Photo © michaelpollardphotography Dandy Style: celebrating fashion and art Another exhibition featured during our collaboration was Dandy Style, which explored men’s fashion and self-presentation from the 18th century to the present day. Bringing together fashion, painting and photography, the exhibition examined how ideas of elegance, identity and personal expression have evolved over more than 250 years. Featuring work by artists, photographers and designers including Thomas Gainsborough, David Hockney, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, it offered another example of the diversity of exhibitions presented at Manchester Art Gallery. Walls painted in Indigo. Photo © michaelpollardphotography Colour, art and environmental responsibility Our work with Manchester Art Gallery reflects a shared interest in the relationship between colour, culture and the environment. Whether used in a historic interior, a contemporary home or a public gallery, paint has an important part to play in shaping how a space is experienced. We believe the ingredients behind that colour deserve equal consideration. Discover more about why we make natural paint or explore our natural paint colours.
Court of Noke: Edward Bulmer’s historic Herefordshire home Step inside Court of Noke, Edward and Emma Bulmer’s Herefordshire home, and discover how more than 30 years of restoration, colour and considered decoration have shaped the house we see today.
Behind the Chatsworth Collection: 24 exquisite new paint colours Learn the story behind The Chatsworth Collection, a range of 24 new paint colours inspired by the interiors, heritage, and landscapes of one of this country’s most significant country houses.
The Modern Country Palette: Edward Bulmer x Carlos Garcia Explore the Modern Country Palette, a collaboration between Edward Bulmer and Carlos Garcia introducing three colours inspired by historic ceramics and decorative traditions.
Chatsworth paint colours: from historic roots to natural paints Explore six colours from the Chatsworth Collection, from rich historic blues and greens to earthy neutrals, and discover the stories behind each shade.
At home with Laura Fantacci: colour and timeless interiors Step inside Laura Fantacci’s London home and discover how Emma Stevenson used natural paint colours to create timeless, colourful family interiors.
Decorating with blue: paint ideas for every room From restful bedrooms to colourful kitchens and bathrooms, explore how to decorate with blue paint, choose the right shade and create beautiful colour combinations throughout your home.
