Spike your glassy creativity with a little bit of color... exploring the Vivid World of Colors: From Watchet to Bister

by Roxy van Beveran, Festival of Glass committee

Colours have the remarkable ability to evoke emotions, convey meaning, and captivate our senses. From the soothing shades of blue to the fiery hues of red, the world of colours is a vast and captivating realm. In this blog post, we will take a journey through a collection of intriguing colours, each with its own unique story and character. 

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Watchet, Pale Blue Gery, Sable Black, Puke, Pompadour, Phthalo Green, Nymphea, Incarnadine, Hooker's Green, Heather, Dun, Delft Blue, Coquelicot, Bordeaux, and Bister.

1.Watchet: Pale Blue Gery: Watchet is a delicate and ethereal colour, often described as a pale blue-grey. This serene hue is reminiscent of the soft hues that grace the sky at dawn or dusk, creating a sense of tranquillity and calmness. Its understated elegance makes it a popular choice for interior design, evoking a peaceful and soothing ambience.

2.Sable Black: Derived from heraldry, Sable Black takes its name from the fur of the small weasel-like animal. This deep and lustrous shade of black exudes elegance and sophistication. Often associated with luxury and opulence, it adds a touch of mystery and allure to any setting.

3.Puke: Dark Brown: Despite its rather unappealing name, Puke is a rich, dark brown colour that draws its origins from the woollen fabric of the same name. While the name may not be enticing, this colour carries a sense of warmth and earthiness, reminiscent of autumnal hues and the comforting embrace of nature.

4.Pompadour: Warm Pale Blue: Inspired by the eighteenth-century marquise and mistress of King Louis XV, Pompadour is a warm and inviting pale blue shade. This colour exudes a sense of refinement and elegance, reminiscent of the grandeur and sophistication of the Rococo era. It is perfect for adding a touch of grace to any space.

5.Phthalo Green: Phthalo Green is a vibrant and piney blue-green colour named after a synthetic pigment. Its vivid tones are reminiscent of lush forests and emerald landscapes. Phthalo Green is often used to evoke a sense of freshness and vitality, making it a popular choice for artistic expression and nature-inspired designs.

6.Nymphea:  Mid-Pinkish Purple: Nymphea is a captivating colour between mid-pink and purple, creating a delicate and enchanting hue. It carries a sense of romance and femininity, reminiscent of blooming flowers and dreamy sunsets. Nymphea adds a touch of elegance and grace to any setting, whether it be in fashion or interior design.

7.Incarnadine: Fierce Saturated Pinkish Red: With its intense and passionate aura, the Incarnadine is a colour that commands attention. This fierce and saturated pinkish-red shade is impossible to ignore. It symbolizes power, love, and desire, making it a striking choice for bold statements and daring designs.

8.Hooker's Green: Hooker's Green is a bright and invigorating green colour, named after the British illustrator William Hooker. Combining Persian blue with gamboge, this vibrant hue exudes energy and vitality. It is often associated with nature and growth, making it a popular choice for botanical themes and eco-friendly initiatives.

9.Heather: Heather, once a pre-twentieth-century synonym for mottled, is commonly associated with a pinky-purple hue. This gentle and soothing colour evokes a sense of calmness and nostalgia. Its delicate tones remind us of the blooming heather fields and the gentle embrace of nature.

10.Dun: Dun is a versatile colour that often describes a grey-brown shade commonly used to describe livestock. This neutral and earthy tone adds warmth and authenticity to any design. It is reminiscent of rustic landscapes and the simple beauty of the natural world.

11.Delft Blue: Inspired by the pottery made in the Dutch city of Delft in the eighteenth century, Delft Blue is an inky shade that carries a sense of history and tradition. This deep blue hue is often associated with elegance and refinement, reminiscent of the intricate patterns adorning Delftware ceramics.

12.Coquelicot: Coquelicot is a vibrant red colour with a hint of orange. The name derives from the French word for the wild poppy, "Papaver rhoeas." This lively hue exudes energy, passion, and vitality. Coquelicot captures the essence of summer and brings a burst of joy to any design.

13.Bordeaux: Deep and rich like the French wine it's named after, Bordeaux is a colour that exudes sophistication and elegance. This deep cherry shade carries a sense of refinement and luxury, making it a popular choice for high-end fashion and interior design.

14.Bister: Bister is a brownish pigment made from burnt wood. It carries a sense of warmth and earthiness, reminiscent of natural materials and rustic charm. Bister adds depth and character to any design, reflecting the beauty of nature in its simplest form.

Colours have the power to transport us to different moods, evoke emotions, and tell stories. From the peaceful Watchet to the fiery Incarnadine, each colour mentioned in this blog post possesses a unique charm and history. 

Exploring the vivid world of colours allows us to tap into our creative selves and create captivating designs that reflect our personalities and aspirations. Whether you prefer the tranquillity of blues, the warmth of browns, or the vibrancy of reds and greens, the realm of colours is boundless, waiting to be explored and celebrated.