Little Greene Paint company is a renowned paint brand that produces high-quality and eco-friendly paints. The company has collaborated with the National Trust to create a new range of colours that reflect the history and heritage of National Trust properties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The National Trust Collection features 20 colours derived from National Trust properties, and a few important greens from Little Greene's archives and the current colour card have also been included. This article will explore the history and inspiration behind some of the most popular colours in the National Trust Collection by Little Greene Paint.
The History Behind Little Greene Paint's National Trust Collection
Since the beginning of 2018, Little Greene Paint has been working in collaboration with the National Trust to create a unique collection of paints inspired by the National Trust properties. The project involved extensive research to find original colours used in National Trust properties, as well as uncovering the stories of the people who first enjoyed them. The resulting National Trust Collection comprises 20 colours that reflect the rich history and heritage of National Trust properties.
One of the colours in the National Trust Collection is Ambleside, an attractive dark green paint colour with a muted blue undertone. This colour was inspired by Hill Top Farm in Ambleside, which was bought by the legendary children's writer Beatrix Potter as a home away from London. The farmhouse was fitted and furnished with many bargains from local sales and reflected Beatrix's eclectic style. Ambleside was used to complement the William Morris-designed daisy-motif wallpaper in Beatrix's bedroom.
To learn more about Beatrix Potter and Hill Top Farm in Ambleside click here.
Boringdon Green is a green paint colour inspired by Saltram House, which is a Jacobean mansion completed in the 18th century for John Parker, 1st Baron Boringdon. An early Georgian makeover included two rooms styled by the most revered interior designer of the time, Robert Adam. This green from the Dining Room was, in all likelihood, chosen to match a pair of urns he designed himself to display in this room.
To learn more about Saltram House and Borington Green click here.
Harley Green is a strong green paint colour with a rich history. This deep blue-based green was originally used in Wimpole Hall, the largest house in Cambridgeshire. The Library, in which this deep green-blue features heavily, was designed and built between 1716 and 1721. For a modern twist, Harley Green can be contrasted with a vibrant shade such as Verditer Green.
To learn more about Wimpole Hall and Harley Green click here.
Hopper is a bold green that was first seen on the exterior woodwork at the home of the equally vibrant playwright, George Bernard Shaw, who grew to love nature. This highly pigmented paint is admired for the way it matches the colour of the leaves in the garden when the sun shines through them. Hopper can be used alongside a related pale green such as Acorn for a cohesive space.
To learn more about George Bernard Shaw and Hopper click here...
Jewel Beetle is a green paint colour inspired by Ellen Terry, a renowned Shakespearean actress who was immortalised as Lady Macbeth in an 1889 portrait by John Singer Sargent. In that painting, she is seen in a spectacular green dress, crocheted to look like chainmail, embroidered with gold and decorated with a thousand iridescent wings from the green jewel beetle, which shed their colourful wings naturally. The dress is preserved within the Ellen Terry Museum at Smallhythe Place, the half-timbered Kent farmhouse she fell in love with and bought in 1899.
To learn more about Ellen Terry and Smallhythe Place click here...
One of the most unusual British homes, 200-year-old Ickworth House in Suffolk was commissioned as the private residence of enigmatic world-traveller Frederick Hervey, on an estate the family had owned since the mid-15th century. The design of the 19th-century Pompeian room was based on ancient frescoes excavated at Villa Negroni, Rome. At Ickworth this dark grey-green performed the role of black in its striking Palladian colour scheme.
To learn more about Ickworth House and the Pompeian room click here...
The Chinese Room in Claydon House, Buckinghamshire, is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Chinoiserie in Britain. In the 18th century, travel and international trade inspired an obsession with Asia and the popular new ritual of tea drinking. The Verney family, who owned Claydon House for generations, used the Chinese Room as a private sitting room and for taking tea with visitors, including Florence Nightingale. The 19th-century owner Lady Verney's sister, Florence became a regular visitor and eventually occupied several of her own rooms at Claydon where she developed her important work in nursing and hygiene.
To learn more about Florence Nightingale and Claydon House click here...
Puck is a light and refreshing green paint colour that was inspired by the delicate and intricate plasterwork in the Long Gallery at Harewood House, a stately home in Leeds. The colour was chosen to complement the bright yellow of the nearby Chinese Drawing Room and to create a light and airy space for relaxing.
To learn more about the Long Gallery at Harewood House click here...
Little Greene Paint's National Trust Collection also includes Three Farm Green, a deep green paint colour inspired by Standen House in West Sussex. The house was built by the renowned architect Philip Webb and the designer William Morris, and it exemplifies the Arts and Crafts style. Morris's distinctive style can be seen throughout the house in the wallpaper and fabric patterns, carpets, and paint colours. Three Farm Green can be seen on the panelling of the Dining Room, providing a beautiful backdrop to the Beale family's collection of blue and white porcelain.
To learn more about Three Farm Green and Standen House please click here...
Another beautiful green paint colour from the National Trust Collection is Windmill Lane, a soft, muted green inspired by Osterley Park manor house in London. Originally built as a country retreat for the banker Sir Thomas Gresham in the mid-1500s, the house was remodelled 200 years later under the direction of the celebrated architect Robert Adam. Windmill Lane can be seen in the main stair and north passage of the house, characterising Adam's exquisite taste and understanding of colour.
To learn more about Osterley Park and Robert Adam click here...
Invisible Green is a historic colour that was made popular by the landscape gardener Humphry Repton in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Repton recommended the use of this colour for fencing and railings so that they would blend better with the surrounding vegetation. The colour was created by mixing yellow ochre and Prussian blue pigments, which results in a muted green shade that appears almost grey in certain lighting conditions.
To learn more about Humphry Repton and Invisible Green click here...
Hidey Hole(307) is a pale green paint that can bring a sense of refreshing calm to any space. The colour was inspired by the peaceful green that surrounded George Bernard Shaw's Hertfordshire residence. Shaw was a famous writer who created countless inspired plots and characters, and he found the tranquillity he needed to write in a small hut that he fondly dubbed 'London'.
To learn more about George Bernard Shaw and Hidey Hole click here...
Goblin (311) is a deep, rich green paint that exudes confidence and adds a touch of playful mischief to any space. This vibrant shade was inspired by the colourful character of Charles Paget Wade, an architect, artist, poet, and collector, who was known for his love of pranks and practical jokes. He was even described by a neighbour as "half a goblin." The name Goblin perfectly captures his personality and the spirit of this bold green hue.
To learn more about Charles Paget Wade and Goblin click here...
Book Room Green is a neutral green paint inspired by the remodelled Book Room at Wimpole Hall, a neoclassical country house in Cambridgeshire, England. The room was designed by architect John Soane and doubled in size at the turn of the 19th century. The neutral green shade was chosen as a contrast to the room's white plasterwork and shelving, as well as to complement the thousands of deep red embossed leather book spines covering the walls.
To learn more about Wimpole Hall and John Soane click here...
Tabernacle is a deep green paint colour inspired by the small wooden pavilion at Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill. Churchill and his wife Lady Churchill enjoyed spending time in the grounds and gardens of Chartwell, where they played tennis and croquet. In 1949, the tennis court was converted into a croquet lawn and a small pavilion was built to match the garden furniture, which was painted in this deep green colour. The colour Tabernacle is a testament to Churchill's love for the outdoors and his passion for gardening.
To learn more about Chartwell and Winston Churchill click here...
Where to buy
We're excited to announce that you can now purchase both the National Trust Little Green Colours and the full Little Greene paint and wallpaper collections on our online store! Simply visit the following link to browse and purchase from our extensive range. Whether you're in need of a fresh coat of paint or want to add a touch of elegance to your walls with some stunning wallpaper, we've got you covered. With our easy-to-use online store, you can shop from the comfort of your own home and have your items delivered straight to your door. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website and start shopping today!
In conclusion
Little Greene Paint's National Trust Collection is a testament to the rich history and heritage of National Trust properties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of the 20 colours in the collection tells a unique story and reflects the design and architecture of the properties from which they were inspired. Whether you're looking to paint your home in a classic hue or want to add a touch of heritage to a modern space, the National Trust Collection by Little Greene Paint is sure to have the perfect shade for you.
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