Graphenstone and English Heritage unveil 120 historically authentic, eco-friendly paint colors derived from Britain’s most treasured historical properties.
Graphenstone Paints, the vanguard of eco-conscious architectural finishes, has joined forces with English Heritage, the guardian of the nation’s architectural treasures, to create what may be the most historically authentic yet technologically advanced paint collection ever developed.
The collaboration, aptly named ‘The Colour Collection,’ introduces 120 meticulously curated shades, including 24 exclusive colours drawn directly from some of English Heritage’s most iconic properties. This partnership represents more than a mere commercial venture,it stands as a testament to how traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation can harmoniously coexist in service of both historical authenticity and environmental responsibility.
A Palette Born from History
The genesis of this exceptional collection lies in the exhaustive research conducted within the hallowed halls of English Heritage properties. Each of the 24 exclusive shades tells a story that spans centuries, with colours carefully extracted from original wallpapers, fabrics, furniture, and paint samples that have adorned these historic buildings through the ages.
“Colour trends have evolved throughout history, often influencing society’s emotions and perceptions. English Heritage is dedicated to preserving these incredible memories and buildings for future generations,” explains Patrick Folkes, Graphenstone UK CEO and Chairman. “Our paints gently ‘nod to the past’ by combining trusted minerals like lime and silicate with 21st-century graphene technology, ensuring they are ecological, sustainable, and highly durable.”
This intersection of historical reverence and technological innovation distinguishes the collection from conventional heritage paint lines. Rather than merely approximating historical colours, Graphenstone’s team employed advanced scanning technology to capture the exact chromatic essence of these historical elements, resulting in colours of unprecedented authenticity.
When Ancient Meets Avant-Garde: The Science Behind the Shades
What truly sets this collection apart is Graphenstone’s revolutionary formulation,a sophisticated blend of traditional mineral-based ingredients with graphene, one of the most resilient carbon fibres known to science. This marriage of ancient and cutting-edge materials results in paints that achieve Class 1 durability while maintaining the breathability essential for heritage structures.
As noted by English Heritage, “We are delighted to partner with Graphenstone on this collection of English Heritage paint. We chose Graphenstone for its unique offering – natural mineral-based paints that are fully breathable and offer Class 1 durability, making them highly suitable for use in heritage properties where materials that sympathetically respect the integrity of the buildings – of which we are custodians – is essential.”
The technical specifications of these paints speak to their exceptional performance. The inclusion of graphene,an inert carbon material,enhances hardness, durability, compression, tensile strength, elasticity, and coverage. Moreover, the lime-based formulations actively purify the air as they cure, with the majority of this process occurring within the first 30 days after application.
The Colours of History: A Journey Through English Heritage
Each shade in the collection serves as a portal to a specific moment in British architectural history. Among the most compelling are:
Mah-Jongg – This warm grey-green pays homage to the pet lemur owned by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld at the Art Deco masterpiece Eltham Palace. The nuanced tone captures both the exotic sensibilities of the Courtauld’s tastes and the subtle elegance of their renowned residence.
Kenwood Cream – Inspired by the Georgian elegance of Kenwood’s façade, this shade embodies the refined aesthetic principles of the 18th century. The colour’s warmth and subtlety reflect the neo-classical ideals championed by architect Robert Adam in his transformation of this magnificent estate.
Smalt Blue – A regal blue derived from the ornate gates of Chiswick House, this colour channels the vivid palette favoured during the English Palladian movement. Its depth and vibrancy speak to the artistic confidence of the period and the cultural significance of this architectural jewel.
Golden Pheasant – Extracted directly from Wrest Park’s opulent wallpaper, this hue encapsulates the sumptuous decorative schemes that characterised 19th-century aristocratic tastes. The colour resonates with the exotic inspirations that influenced British interior design during this period of global exploration and cultural exchange.
Chinoiserie – This soft, light yellow draws its inspiration from the hand-painted Chinese wallpaper at Marble Hill, reflecting the 18th-century fascination with Eastern aesthetics. The delicate tone captures the refined sensibilities that defined this important cultural movement in British decorative arts.
Mansfield’s Blue – A sophisticated, green-toned blue inspired by Lord Mansfield’s bedroom at Kenwood, this shade speaks to the refined palette employed in the private chambers of the Georgian nobility. Its balanced undertones reflect the period’s preference for colours that were simultaneously dignified and intimate.
Eldorado – A warm, clean blue taken directly from the 19th-century Zuber wallpaper at Wrest Park, this colour exemplifies the exotic romanticism that captivated Victorian sensibilities. Its clarity and depth evoke the narrative qualities that defined decorative schemes of this historically significant era.
These colours do more than simply adorn walls,they serve as tangible connections to Britain’s architectural heritage, allowing contemporary spaces to resonate with historical authenticity while maintaining a decidedly modern relevance.
Sustainability as a Core Philosophy
The environmental credentials of this collaboration are perhaps as impressive as its historical authenticity. Graphenstone’s commitment to sustainability pervades every aspect of the collection, from formulation to packaging and distribution.
In a significant departure from industry norms, all colours in the new collection will be available in Graphenstone’s innovative Peel & Stick colour samples. Made with 30% recycled materials and using approximately 94% less paint than traditional sample pots, these samples represent a radical rethinking of how consumers can experience colour before making purchasing decisions.
This approach aligns perfectly with Graphenstone’s broader commitment to circular economy principles. The company minimises environmental impact during production through the use of renewable energy and the upcycling of waste materials. This ethos has earned Graphenstone recognition as one of the world’s most certified sustainable paint brands, with independent verification from respected bodies such as Cradle to Cradle, Global Green Tag, and Eurofins.
The partnership extends beyond mere commercial interests through a philanthropic component: for every purchase made from the collection, Graphenstone will donate to English Heritage, directly contributing to the preservation of more than 400 historic sites across the UK.
A New Standard for Heritage Aesthetics
‘The Colour Collection’ represents a significant expansion of Graphenstone’s offering, replacing their current ‘House Colour Card’ with its 64 colours. While the 64 archived colours will remain available to order, the new collection’s 120 shades,including the 24 English Heritage exclusives,establish a new benchmark for both historical authenticity and contemporary relevance in architectural finishes.
The collection’s accessibility is ensured through its availability at over 300 points of sale across the UK, including established retailers such as Brewers Decorator Centres, Dulux Decorator Centres, Paintwell, The Paint Shed, and independent stores, as well as through Graphenstone’s own website.
This widespread distribution network ensures that these historically-inspired yet technologically advanced paints will be accessible to a diverse range of end users, from professional conservators working on listed buildings to homeowners seeking to infuse their spaces with authentic historical character.
The Future of Historical Preservation
What makes this collaboration particularly significant is how it reimagines the relationship between historical preservation and environmental responsibility. By creating paints that are simultaneously historically authentic, environmentally sustainable, and technically superior, Graphenstone and English Heritage have established a new paradigm for how we might approach the conservation of our built heritage.
“Our clean-tech ranges create safe and healthy environments without compromising performance, making them perfect for the rigours of modern life,” notes Folkes. “By donating a percentage of each paint pot sold to the benefit of English Heritage, we can all play a small part in becoming custodians of these wonderful buildings.”
This sentiment captures the essence of the partnership: a shared commitment to preserving the past while embracing innovative solutions for the future. The collaboration challenges the false dichotomy between historical authenticity and environmental sustainability, demonstrating that these values can,and indeed must,coexist in contemporary approaches to conservation.
A Distinguished Clientele
The credibility of Graphenstone’s approach is further underscored by its impressive roster of clients, which includes institutions at the forefront of both cultural preservation and innovation. From The Ashmolean and Historical Royal Palaces to contemporary powerhouses like Meta and the Eden Project, Graphenstone has established itself as the preferred choice for those who value both historical authenticity and environmental responsibility.
This diverse clientele speaks to the versatility of Graphenstone’s products, which are equally at home in centuries-old buildings and cutting-edge contemporary spaces. The inclusion of renowned interior designer Rose Uniacke among the company’s clients further attests to the aesthetic credentials of these paints, which satisfy the exacting standards of the most discerning design professionals.
The Broader Implications
Beyond its immediate commercial and conservation impacts, this collaboration signals a broader shift in how we conceptualize the relationship between historical preservation and sustainability. By demonstrating that cutting-edge environmental technology can enhance rather than compromise historical authenticity, Graphenstone and English Heritage are challenging conventional wisdom about the inherent tensions between conservation and innovation.
This perspective has profound implications for the future of historical preservation, suggesting a path forward where technological advancement serves rather than threatens our architectural heritage. The success of this approach could inspire similar initiatives across the conservation sector, potentially transforming how we approach the maintenance and restoration of historic buildings worldwide.
Moreover, by making these historically authentic yet environmentally advanced paints widely available, the collaboration democratizes access to conservation-grade materials, enabling a broader range of property owners to participate in the preservation of Britain’s architectural character.
A New Chapter in Architectural Colour
As ‘The Colour Collection’ prepares for its official launch on April 28, 2025, it stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful collaboration between commercial innovation and cultural preservation. By bridging the gap between historical authenticity and environmental responsibility, Graphenstone and English Heritage have created more than just a paint collection,they have established a new model for how we might honour our architectural past while embracing a sustainable future.
In the words of Patrick Folkes, these paints “gently nod to the past” while embracing the technological possibilities of the present. This philosophy,respecting tradition while remaining open to innovation,offers a compelling vision for the future of historical preservation, one where our reverence for the past enhances rather than inhibits our commitment to environmental stewardship.
For those who value both Britain’s architectural heritage and the health of our planet, ‘The Colour Collection’ represents not merely a new range of paints but a tangible manifestation of how these seemingly disparate values can be harmoniously reconciled through thoughtful design and innovative technology.
As we continue to navigate the complex challenges of preserving our built heritage in an era of environmental consciousness, collaborations like this one between Graphenstone and English Heritage will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping sustainable solutions that honour the richness of our architectural past while ensuring the viability of our collective future.
