The colours and textures of the past

Traditional paints and lime mortars-prized for their sympathy to historic buildings -are sought after for their subtle colours and finishes, too, finds Arabella Youens

- Arabella Youens

ROSE OF JERICHO has for years been regarded by conservationists as a trade secret. Not for much longer, however: the materials and methods used to make the company's traditional paints and lime mortars have benefits that are aesthetic, as well as functional, a fact that is making them attractive to a much wider audience. From premises in Hollywell in Dorset, the company has been at the forefront of the revival in traditional materials for more than 30 years.

Setting it apart from mainstream paint makers is its distinctive approach: the skills, recipes, and ingredients involved in the making of its paints and distempers are as true as possible to a time-honoured tradition. Only ingredients available in the 18th and 19th centuries are used—with a few adjustments. 'Whereas distemper paint was traditionally made of rabbit-skin glue, it's now based on gelatine,' explains Tom Balch, a director of the firm. 'Our artist-quality powder pigments are largely derived from natural earth or minerals.' As a result, everything produced is sustainable, natural, and has a minimal environmental impact.