Graphenstone, a leading name in ecological paint, has partnered with the Ashmolean Museum of Oxford to launch a new range of colours inspired by some of the museum’s most treasured objects.
Developed in celebration of 340 years of the Oxford institution, The Treasured Collection comprises 16 carefully curated and complimentary shades for home and commercial use.
Colours in the collection range from the burnt orange of the maple wood used by the master violin maker, Antonio Stradivari, to the vibrant teal of the feathers in John Ruskin’s Study of a Kingfisher. Each colour has been chosen and matched to the original artworks by the Graphenstone team.
Graphenstone is recognised as a leading name in eco-friendly paint, each made using high quality lime and sustainable natural minerals. Its paints are petrochemical and plastic free, with only trace elements of Volative Organic Compounds (VOCs), which was a major consideration for the Ashmolean Museum.
The paints are also certified free from carcinogens, hazardous chemicals, and preservatives. They are odour-free meaning they will also not release harmful gasses or synthetic additives often associated with breathing difficulties and allergies.
Graphenstone’s environmental impact is rigorously controlled and the manufacturing process is powered entirely by renewables at a ratio of 37% hydro, 51% wind, and 12% solar with waste water reused in the production process. All packaging is cardboard and the paint tubs are made using 100% PCR plastic (post-consumer) meaning everything is 100% recyclable.
Dec McCarthy, commercial manager at the Ashmolean Museum, said: “We have often mixed our own paints for our interiors by matching colours with our collections, so it is great to launch this new range with Graphenstone and offer it to the public.
“The range is 100% natural and non-toxic in line with Graphenstone’s unrivalled environmental credentials; and sales will support the museum and our work.”
The range is available now in two finishes. GrafClean and Grafclean Eggshell are mixed mineral paints composed of vegetable resins and ecological materials, certified as Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold, complying with the lowest emission rates in Europe.
Patrick Folkes, Graphenstone director, added: “We are often approached by global partners to collaborate. When the Ashmolean explained what they wanted to do, we could not say no to this unique opportunity to create stunning colours that will also help support one of the UK”s most important cultural institutions and we are honoured to be working alongside them.”
Established 340 years ago, the Ashmolean Museum is recognised as the world’s oldest public museum.
