Happy Christmas

Blue the worlds favourite colour

I am a member of The Colour Group of Great Britain and last week they held a day of seminars all about 'Blue the worlds favourite colour'. The morning sessions covered the history of blue from ancient Egypt to modern Shanghai, our perceptions of blue and the artist Julie Caves explorations in how to depict the blue of the sky. In the afternoon the focus was on denim with a series of talks and discussions about the never ending trend for denim.

It was a fascinating day and made me reflect on my use of blue. I know navy blue is my favourite colour, but when I say that I'm automatically thinking of clothing especially fabrics. I use blue less for interiors as sometimes it can be too cool, but I do like warm blues - I've kept this picture for about 20 years, I think it came from World of Interiors?     

Collecting

I collect all sorts of beautiful things, especially anything to do with sewing, fabrics and haberdashery - these sissors were a present from my brother and the ribbon I bought on one of my trips to India.

In my box of vintage lace and crochet, I have also been keeping these Chinese toothbrushes that I bought years ago in Hong Kong. The problem with my collections is that they are often hidden as it's not practicle to just have everything out.

So I was really pleased to find these glass domes at Brighton Flee Market - I'm currently exhibiting silk stockings and gold trimmed hat pins, the Chinese toothbrushes and a beautiful shell.

             

Analogical Colour in Architecture

Ceiling hung accoustic panels

On a recent RIBA Sussex Branch  tour organised by Caroline Stephens, I visited Brighton Aldridge Community Academy designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios; a fabulous building, with a great use of colour by architect Alina White. Alina has introduced groups of analogical colour to differentiate sections of the school - yellow to green, blue to mauve, and turquoise to green.

The shades of colour follow through into the WC areas

In each section the colours have been used to create features of the ceiling hung acoustic panels, the lockers, and WC doors. A clever use of colour for orientation and interest, within the overall design of the building.

Blues to Mauve

I asked Alina how she decided upon those particular groups of colour; she explained that the school's headmistress, was adamant that red should not be used in the new building. The headmistress attributed the over use of red in the old school building to behavioural problems with some pupils; this is not surprising given reds over-stimulating qualities.

It's so refreshing to see a school that doesn't patronise its pupils with use of arbitory primary colours - inspiring!

Bighton's Big Wheel

 I love this new addition to Brighton's seafront. Hopefully we'll get Marks Barfield's proposed i360 soon!

WAN Case Study

City of Coventry Health Centre under construction

One of my on-going projects, City of Coventry Health Centre, is nearing completion. My input as Colour Consultant and Arts Coordinator has been the focus of a World Architecture News Case Study, which is very exciting. You can read the article here -WAN press article

Modern Marrakesh

Cafe Arabe - Terrace

I was in Marrakesh last week, where there are some fabulous interiors. These pictures are from Cafe Arabe a stunning restauraunt/cafe/bar. The Terrace above has an amazing cooling system with cool vapour pumped through the intricate awning system.

 

The Tea Room inside is a brilliant mix of old and new moroccan style. The colours through out are very rich and warm reflecting it's Red City location.

The hallway

 

 

Beautiful lanterns light the entrance