A partnership based on legacy and expert craftsmanship
Mylands is the Official Paint Partner of Dulwich Picture Gallery, a collaboration rooted not only in artistic excellence but in a shared heritage.
As Britain’s oldest family-run paint manufacturer, established in 1884 and located just minutes from the Gallery, Mylands is uniquely placed to support our vision. Mylands offer expertly crafted paint with exceptional durability and a unique depth of colour, all manufactured locally to enrich the cultural life of the community they serve.
This partnership celebrates more than aesthetic values; it is a shared commitment to south London's vibrant cultural life. World-class exhibitions are supported by local expertise, families benefit from accessible and inspiring art spaces, and every drop of paint reinforces a legacy of creative excellence in our local community.
At a glance
- Dulwich Red, a custom-created shade, draws on historical references and is uniquely tailored for the Gallery’s architectural and lighting needs.
- All paints used are water-based, low-VOC, and tinted to order in Lambeth, offering a sustainable and high-quality solution.
- Mylands’ upcycled paint—created by repurposing unused and returned stock—is used for selected exhibitions, supporting waste reduction and circular production.
- Mylands has helped to bring our vibrant, safe, and inclusive spaces to life, supporting family-friendly creativity and accessible public art.
Dulwich Red
During our temporary closure in 2020, we collaborated with Mylands to reimagine our main enfilade. Following extensive pigment trials and natural light studies, the teams developed Dulwich Red, a bespoke colour inspired by the Pompeiian tones favoured by the Gallery's architect Sir John Soane, enriched with a terracotta warmth.
This historically grounded hue draws inspiration from the distinctive red found on the walls of Soane’s own library. It was specially crafted to harmonise with the Gallery’s architecture and respond beautifully to shifting natural light. Dulwich Red is available exclusively through our shop and at mylands.com.
Bespoke colours for unforgettable exhibitions
Our curators and design team continually reinvent our exhibition spaces with the incredibly broad range of paints offered by Mylands. Whether showcasing the iconic works in Rubens & Women, celebrating contemporary voices in Soulscapes, or highlighting the artistry of the Yoshida Dynasty, each of our exhibitions has been paired with a tailored Mylands palette that brings its unique mood and vision to life.
This transformative use of colour is not confined to temporary displays. The permanent collection—including the celebrated Gainsborough portrait of Mrs Elizabeth Moody with her sons—is framed by the warmth and richness of Mylands’ Market Green No. 38, enhancing both the artworks and the environment they inhabit.
Many of our exhibitions have featured Mylands’ most celebrated shades, such as Millbank™ No. 254, Bond Street™ No. 219, Lock Keeper™ No. 18, and Mortlake Red™ No. 290. All of these colours are available to purchase via our Shop or Mylands’ website.
A shared commitment to sustainability
Dulwich Picture Gallery and Mylands are equally committed to environmental responsibility, championing sustainable practices at every stage of our partnership.
This low-carbon collaboration begins with locally made paint—manufactured in Lambeth, just around the corner from the Gallery—reducing transport emissions. All paints are tinted to order, eliminating excess stock and waste, and formulated using low-VOC, water-based technology to ensure safety for people and the planet.
For select exhibitions, we have made use of Mylands’ pioneering Upcycled Paint, crafted from unused batches and returned tins that are expertly reformulated into premium finishes. This innovative approach diverts waste from landfill, reduces the need for raw materials, and maintains the exceptional quality Mylands is known for, all with a reduced environmental impact.
A future for community & creativity
As Dulwich Picture Gallery evolves, Mylands continues to provide the paints that bring its outdoor and family-focused spaces to life.
The new Sculpture Garden, Canteen and ArtPlay Pavilion have all been enhanced by Mylands’ durable, beautiful, and environmentally conscious finishes. With child-friendly, breathable formulas, these paints meet the highest standards of health and sustainability, ensuring that every brushstroke supports a welcoming and inclusive space for the next generation of visitors and artists.
Bringing the look home
Our temporary exhibitions offer a rare opportunity to experience colour on a grand, immersive scale, to see an entire wall scheme thoughtfully paired with art, architecture, and natural light.
For many of our visitors, these curated environments provide unexpected inspiration, revealing how a specific hue can transform mood, space, and perspective.
To help you bring that inspiration into your own home, Mylands has recently opened its first-ever public showroom at its Lambeth factory. Here, you can explore the full palette in person, view finishes in real settings, and receive expert guidance on selecting colours for your own space.
The showroom is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with no appointment necessary.
Showroom address:
Mylands Paints
26-34 Rothschild Street
London SE27 0HQ
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Visit www.mylands.com/showroom for more information, or follow along for colour inspiration and updates at @mylands_london on Instagram.