British Colour Standard is the brainchild of Jackie Piper and Victoria Whitbread, a dynamic art and design team sharing a profound passion for colour and material exploration. Their journey began with the serendipitous discovery of an old colour dictionary in an Oxfam shop, sparking the desire to revive this long-forgotten brand. The original British Colour Standard colour HQ at No 13 Portman Square in London, although demolished after World War II, remains an iconic symbol of their rich history, dating back to 1931.
Drawing inspiration from nature, flora, fauna, semi-precious stones, and spices, British Colour Standard's main collections feature historic and special Royal colours, some used for coronations and significant events. They meticulously scanned original colour dictionaries and utilised a digital colour reader to establish profiles for the myriad of colours created and catalogued in the 1930s, preserving the authenticity and heritage of their offerings. Today, British Colour Standard aims to be the go-to brand for colour in the home, offering contemporary design-led gifts and products for colour enthusiasts while championing eco-friendly, sustainable, and Fair Trade practices within their collections. Established in 1931, they are poised and prepared for the demands of the 21st century.