Colours used above: Drawing Room Blue No.253 and Charlotte's Locks No.268
We’re delighted to be supporting the Musée Picasso in Paris in their new exhibition, Picasso Celebration: The Collection In A New Light, which commemorates 50 years since the modern artist’s death.
The exhibition, art directed by Sir Paul Smith and curated by Cécile Debray, is an immersive experience, with each room decorated to complement the different masterpieces on display. Each room has been painted in Farrow & Ball, with each colour chosen specifically by Sir Paul Smith to create a bold and striking atmosphere that does justice to the works of the iconic master of colour and innovation. The rooms also play with a variety of finishes, creating different textures and sheens for extra interest.
Charlotte Cosby, our Creative Director, took a trip to Paris to see the space for herself and to find out all about Paul Smith’s process of designing the space. Watch below to find out more about the exhibition, then read on to discover which colours were chosen and how you can use colour to celebrate your own masterpieces at home.
Bringing The Colours Home
It’s clear from the video tour of the gallery, that this exhibition is a masterclass in colour, which is unsurprising given the expert eye of Sir Paul Smith. However, we know that using bold colours in an art gallery is a little different to introducing them into your living room or kitchen. So, here are three ways you could try adding colour to your home, all inspired by the exhibition.
Stripes
Horizonal or vertical, big or small, stripes are a classic way to add colour and pattern to a room. You could either opt for a softer, more ‘painterly’ style (as Sir Paul Smith has in this spectacular, striped space) or go bolder with graphic lines and sharp contrasts. Either way, stripes are a great way to introduce colour, especially if you pair your colourful stripe against a more neutral background.
Left: Verdigris Green No.W50 | Right: Yellowcake No.279 and Drawing Room Blue No.253
Pop of Colour
When it comes to colour, you don’t have to need a lot to make an impact. In the gallery, Sir Paul Smith has introduced this vibrant combination of orange, yellow and red (Charlotte’s Locks, Yellowcake and Etruscan Red to be specific) as a pop of colour between spaces. You could easily replicate this by painting a doorframe in an accent colour, or even window recesses, inside cupboards or the back of shelving units. And it doesn’t have to be quite so bright either if you’re just dipping your toe in!
Bold Colours
If you love a particular colour, be brave and go for it. Naturally, we’re big fans of colour here at Farrow & Ball and we’re always excited when other people share our passion. Here, bright Rangwali is sure to bring a smile to your face, and creates the perfect complement to the artwork, patterned floor and bold light fixture, which may have overshadowed a softer shade.
Picasso Celebration: The Collection In A New Light will be open to visitors from 7th March to 27th August 2023 at Musée National Picasso-Paris, 5 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris.