Chromatopia : An Illustrated History of Colour : Book by David Coles

Chromatopia: An Illustrated History of Colour by David Coles is a visually stunning book that explores the origins, history, and stories behind over fifty of the world’s most fascinating pigments. From ancient natural dyes to modern synthetic discoveries, this book offers artists, designers, and colour enthusiasts an engaging look at how colour has shaped art, science, and culture throughout history.

Did you know that the Egyptians created the first synthetic colour, or that the noblest purple comes from a predatory sea snail? Throughout history, artist pigments have been made from deadly metals, poisonous minerals, urine, cow dung, and even crushed insects.

From grinding down beetles and burning animal bones to alchemy and pure luck, Chromatopia reveals the origin stories behind over fifty of history’s most vivid colour pigments. Spanning the ancient world to modern leaps in technology, this is the book for the artist, the history buff, the science lover and the design fanatic.

David Coles is the founder of Langridge Artist Colours, an Australian company renowned for producing premium oil paints and mediums. A passionate colourmaker, Coles has spent decades mastering the art and science of pigments, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thames and Hudson
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781760761219