Regal Hues at the National Portrait Gallery's Latest Exhibition 'Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII's Queens'

'Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII's Queens' currently showcased at the National Portrait Gallery until 8th September 2024.

Mylands is delighted for our colours to feature as the backdrop for the National Portrait Gallery's latest exhibition, 'Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII's Queens'. 

This exhibition is the first major exhibition to place its focus on the women who married the infamous Tudor king. Exploring agency, influence and cultural impact both in life and afterlife, the exhibtion steps back through time - showcasing contemporary portraits, costumes and sixteenth-century portraits. Reuniting items that would have last been seen together when in the posession of the queens themselves, this exhibition features items that have never been on display and a 16th century portrait once thought lost, against a stunning canvas of Mylands colours in regal tones.  

Commenting about the colour choices used for the exhibition, the National Portrait Gallery's Design team stated 'The starting point for any exhibition design is the works of art we will display. We develop a colour scheme that will complement the portraits allowing them to be shown in the best possible setting. We consider the artist’s palette, colours that would have been used in painting or architecture at that time. Colours that we feel will evoke a sense of time and or place and create a memorable emotional experience for the visitor.'

Mylands has a long-standing association with the National Portrait Gallery, established over its many years as the UK’s oldest paint brand founded and based in London. Its colours have featured in other notable exhibitions the museum has produced, including the 'Gainsborough Family Album' and most notably the 'Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm' exhibition which showcased a bespoke red specially made for the occasion. 

'Mylands provide a personalised and professional service that is efficient and accommodating. The paints they produce are well mixed with a strong depth of colour and good coverage. ' - The Design Team at The National Portrait Gallery

Front walls and archway in Empire Grey™ No.171 and back wall in Indian Lake™ No.288

The colours chosen for this exhibition are rich, jewelled tones that are sumptuous, luxurious and give a regal air to the atmosphere. Discover these colours and how you can bring them into your own interior projects. 

Pleasure Gardens Green™ No.214

A rich emerald green with an unsuspecting drop of violet enhancing its tone. Inspired by London's green spaces, Pleasure Gardens Green™ No.214 brings the essence of nature into any space. Drench a room or feature on panelling, this colour is versatile to use and easy to pair alongside neutrals.

Exhibition walls  in Pleasure Gardens Green™ No.214; front pillar in Duke's House™ No.44

Bedroom panel behind bed in Pleasure Gardens Green™ No.80 - @our_journey_at_81

Blueprint™ No.50

A striking royal blue that is captivating in nature. Use as an accent colour to accentuate detailing in a space such as a bookshelf, or paint the whole room to drench it in a timeless colour imbued with intensity.  

Exhibition Walls in Blueprint™ No.50

Bookshelf in Blueprint™ No.50

Empire Violet™ No.80

Perfect for capturing the essence of royalty, Empire Violet™ No.80 is a dark purple, layered with red, umber and black. Rich in colour, it creates a moody backdrop with a dramatic flare wherever featured. Bring into the living room to set the ambiance or feature as a contrasting colour on doorframes and woodwork. 

Living room walls in Empire Violet™ No.80

Market Green™ No.38

Dramatic in nature with slight blue undertones, despite this green being both deep and rich in colour, it presents a calming effect to allow for relaxation and peace of mind when included in a colour scheme. Paint the walls in the bedroom to envelop yourself in tranquillity. Also part of Mylands' Upcycled Collection, Market Green™ No.38 can be created by our expert team from returned paints and remainder ingredients, giving a new lease of life to what could have been wasted. The end result is a beautifully crafted paint with a sustainable edge, retaining Mylands' renowned quality and depth of colour with a matt finish.

Bedroom walls in Market Green™ No.38