Holliday Pigments’ signature Ultramarine Blue has been inspirational in national arts projects hosted at Science Oxford, as well as the Liverpool Conservation Centre.
An exhibition entitled ‘Metron’, being staged at Science Oxford over the summer months, explores back through Holliday Pigments’ heritage as the original manufacturer of the Reckitt’s Blue Dolly bag – the famous ingredient marketed as making laundry whites whiter than white.
Examining the manual and mechanical processes, as well as the materials associated with laundry, artists Annabel Ralphs and Diane Jones-Parry have a keen interest in the images, sounds, mathematical and scientific factors connected with washing.
“We have coined the phrase ‘domestic archaeology’ to best reflect the nature of our work, which sits right on the edge between the arts and the sciences,” says Annabel Ralphs. “Upon researching Reckitt’s Blue we became aware of its strong links with Hull and were keen to visit the Holliday Pigments’ factory. We were truly astounded by the rich intenseness of the deep blue colour and the many pictures and artefacts that we obtained during our visit are now important elements within the exhibition.”
The raw materials used in the production of Holliday Pigments’ ultramarine take pride of place on a plinth and glass cylinders filled with the signature blue powder and water act as an eye-catching feature piece. Over time the solution will evaporate and chemical salts will develop through the cylinders.
“Since we were forced to cease manufacture in the UK last year, it is especially pleasing to see the heritage of the site continuing to be celebrated,” says Holliday Pigments’ Frank Davies, who accompanied the two artists on their visit to the site. “Our product has always been indispensable to artists because of its unique, vibrant, red-blue shade and we are always happy to cooperate with creative people in the execution of their work.”
Holliday Pigments’ blue has also been instrumental in the completion of a Heritage Lottery Funded Scheme at the National Conservation Centre in Liverpool. Here, the glass and ceramics department were seeking the right shade to repair old works from the 18th Century Wedgewood Jasper collection. The exceptionally fine texture of Holliday Pigments’ product enabled easier incorporation of the colour into the resins than previously experienced with alternative pigment providers.
The National Conservation Centre is a workshop where antique pieces are restored prior to being loaned out to museums nationwide. For further information visit www.liverpoolmusuems.org.uk
To find out more about the ‘Metron’ exhibition currently on show at Science Oxford visit www.scienceoxford.com |