I don't think you will find this in one book. It's an interesting topic, but I am not sure there is one that is so comprehensive.

You will find a lot of interesting information regarding historical paint, colors, palettes, formulas in various books by Jocasta Innes, such as "Applied Artistry" and "Scandinavian Painted Decor". The Farrow and Ball "Paint" book also has some good historical information.

I've spent alot of time looking for something like that focused on the victorian period, and as Pal mentions, you get bits and pieces but all in one place....I haven't seen it yet :(

Thanks, Annie. I've actually read all of those. Also some fascinating narratives about mauve, indigo, and red. My family actually kids me about that, that and watching paint dry. Just wondered if anyone knew of a more comprehensive resource, as opposed to the works one has to mine for pertinent info.

Your best bet is Google books, and look for reference books used by painters and builders of various eras.

Also check old encyclopedias, which you can also find online. They often give details about the pigments.

I briefly had a book from the 1700s with all kinds of pigment and paint recipes for craftsmen and artists. But it was in German and I needed money. So I sold it.

Try searching architectural conservation and add the word paint then American or European.

When I searched using those terms, these came up:

Paint in America: The Colors of Historic Buildings
Roger W Moss

Paint Research in Building Conservation
edited by Line Bregnh�i, Helen Hughes, Jenni Lindbom, Tone Olstad,and Edwin Verweij

Here is a link that might be useful: Yahoo search historical paint

Reference book for historic color in design?

It is not a book. However, the best resource I have ever come across on this topic is Bart Swindall.

. . . a.k.a. MAGNAVERDE

Here is a link that might be useful: Chicago Auditorium Theatre

Thank you, all. Deedee, I'm looking into sources for two of these.

This post was edited by kitchendetective on Thu, Dec 6, 12 at 22:53

I just ran across a mention of "Color: A Natural History of the Palette" by Victoria Finlay. It might be what you are looking for.

Thank you! Will check it out.