From deep earth tones to vivid synthetic colours, the pigments used in architectural paints tell a fascinating story about technology, trade, and taste. Unlike artists’ paints, architectural paints required large quantities of pigment and had to meet specific practical challenges such as durability, weather resistance, and cost. This session explores the spectrum of pigments used in historic buildings, explaining their properties, availability, and impact on the appearance of painted surfaces. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the materials that coloured our built environment and the legacy they leave for today’s conservation work. 

About the speaker

Phillipa McDonnell has over 10 years’ experience in the research and conservation of architectural paints and decorative finishes. Her doctoral work focuses on nineteenth-century house paint, and she has contributed to the development of EU standards for architectural paint research. Phillipa combines commercial consultancy with teaching and training at Lincoln Conservation, University of Lincoln, and has spoken widely on the history and materiality of paint. Her expertise spans decorative schemes, wallpaper, and digital heritage, with a particular focus on how pigments shaped historic buildings. Phillipa brings both scholarly and practical insight, helping professionals understand the materials that coloured the built environment and their implications for today’s conservation practice.