Beyond the sea, the literal meaning of Ultramarine, refers to the ancient trade in Lapis Lazuli from quarries in north eastern Afghanistan. Classed as a semi precious stone, this clear blue mineral has been prized by artists for millennia. Its rarity and therefore, cost, gave rise to a government competition in 1820’s France to find an equivalent for it, such was their taste for the colour. A chemist named Jean Baptiste Guimet officially claimed the prize in 1828 for his kaolin, sodium and sulphur based formula, variants of which are the pigment we use today and is known as French Ultramarine.

It imparts a slightly purplish tone and is useful to impart the ‘true blue’ cast to our Garter Blue, in this beautiful hallway below left. It also elevates Fine Grey to a shade that preserves its cool presence even when metamerism turns other greysa little green in hue.

Some more of our colours this deep jewel like pigment creates; ‘Duck egg’ one of the softest creamiest shades in a beautiful drawing room and ‘French Blue’ styled here by Oka in a cosy coastal retreat. We do now offer ‘Shades’ of a selection of our beautiful colours, marked on our colour card with an *. Giving you more flexibility and allowing you to choose a colour that best suits the room aspect. If you would like to try one of these in a 60%, 40% or 20% lighter versions please do call us for more details and advice.

For more colour inspiration please follow us on Instagram @edwardbulmerpaint and @edward_bulmer and if you love pinning, we are @Edwardbulmerpaint on  Pinterest, we also have an extensive gallery of the colours in real rooms on our website.

Our social network has never been more important. A safe place where we can all support and inspire one another. We will continue to share our colours in your wonderful homes. Watch this space for more design tips from Edward and brilliant creative ideas for your home.

Please keep in touch and keep sharing all your paint projects and rooms #edwardbulmerpaint​