What is the story behind the colours we see in art?

Colour is one of the first things we notice in a work of art. It can draw us in, set a mood, create drama or make an image feel almost tangible. But colour has a story of its own.

In Colour: The Wonder of Art, Courtauld alumna, art historian and educator Francesca Herrick explores the vibrant history of colour — and the ways in which the materials available to artists have shaped the art we know today.

From dazzling gold to deep cobalt blue, colour has never simply been a question of aesthetics. The pigments artists used could be rare, precious, difficult to make — and sometimes even dangerous. Medieval artists' use of rare pigments transformed the surfaces of altarpieces, while centuries later the invention of the paint tube helped make it possible for Impressionist artists to take their palettes outdoors and paint directly from life.

Francesca brings this material history to life through her work as an educator. For almost two decades, she has led workshops at the Courtauld Gallery, exploring the story of colour and demonstrating how historic paints were made. Her approach invites us to look beyond the finished painting and ask: What is this colour made from? Where did it come from? How was it prepared — and how might the availability of a particular pigment have influenced the artist?

These questions can transform the way we look at familiar works. A flash of blue is no longer simply blue: it can carry stories of trade, technology, experimentation, expense and artistic innovation.

Featuring works by artists including Leonardo, Michelangelo, Vermeer, Monet and Van Gogh, Colour brings together more than 60 artworks with unexpected details that encourage us to look closer.

This September, we’re celebrating the Courtauld educators who help us do exactly that — to slow down, look closely and discover the fascinating stories hidden within works of art.