Lefranc Bourgeois

Lefranc Bourgeois: French Colourmakers Since 1720

Lefranc Bourgeois are one of the oldest colour houses in the world. For over 300 years, they have been shaping the story of fine art with their commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

The origins of the brand date back to Paris in 1720. Charles Laclef, an apothecary by trade, began preparing colours for Jean-Siméon Chardin, one of the great painters of 18th-century France. Their collaboration marked the beginning of Lefranc Bourgeois. Just a few decades later, the house became the official supplier to the Château de Versailles, providing paints for royal commissions.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lefranc Bourgeois helped drive innovation. They were among the first to introduce Titanium White to the fine art market, which is now one of the most common whites on an artist's palette. Their early screw-top paint tube was another milestone, replacing traditional pigs’ bladders and allowing artists to take their colours outdoors. This innovation arrived just in time to support the rise of the Impressionist movement.

In 1954, the company launched Flashe, the first vinyl-based paint for artists. With its intense matt finish and ability to adhere to nearly any surface, it became a favourite for contemporary painters and muralists. In the 1980s, Victor Vasarely, pioneer of Op Art, collaborated with Lefranc Bourgeois to further refine the formula, cementing Flashe’s reputation as a revolutionary colour range.

Today, Lefranc Bourgeois continues to honour its legacy while evolving to meet the needs of modern artists. Their ranges of oil paints, mediums and solvents, and the iconic Flashe remain popular in studios across the world.