'Werner's Nomenclature of Colours' is Being Republished by Smithsonian Books
Joey Haar — January 30, 2018 — Art & Design
References: smithsonianbooks & fastcodesign
Elaborate, poetic names for colors are relatively common nowadays thanks to Pantone and other paint companies' decks of color swatches, but 'Werner's Nomenclature of Colours' shows that the practice goes back farther than one might imagine. The book, which was initially published in 1814 and is now being republished in facsimile by Smithsonian Books, features a broad array of standardized colors with names like Flax Flower Blue, Arterial Blood Red, and Velvet Black.
Not only does the book include color swatches and names for those hues, but it also includes information about how those colors can come into play into the real world. Its subtitle explains that it's "adapted to: zoology, botany, chemistry, minerology, [and] anatomy", so the book was clearly designed to be a tool for scientists as much as it is a beautiful work in and of itself. In fact, Charles Darwin used Werner's Nomenclature of Colours during his voyage on HMS Beagle.
Not only does the book include color swatches and names for those hues, but it also includes information about how those colors can come into play into the real world. Its subtitle explains that it's "adapted to: zoology, botany, chemistry, minerology, [and] anatomy", so the book was clearly designed to be a tool for scientists as much as it is a beautiful work in and of itself. In fact, Charles Darwin used Werner's Nomenclature of Colours during his voyage on HMS Beagle.
Trend Themes
1. Revival of Historical Color Guides - Reissued color guides like 'Werner's Nomenclature of Colours' offer opportunities for businesses to tap into nostalgia and appeal to a market seeking authenticity.
2. Integration of Science and Design - The incorporation of scientific information in color guides presents an opportunity for industries to bridge the gap between art and science, creating innovative products that cater to both domains.
3. Expansion of Color Naming Practices - The development of elaborate and poetic color names, as seen in 'Werner's Nomenclature of Colours', opens up possibilities for businesses to create unique branding and storytelling around their products.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The reissuing of historical color guides creates opportunities for publishing companies to cater to a niche market interested in art, history, and science.
2. Art and Design - The integration of scientific information in color guides presents an opportunity for art and design industries to create visually appealing yet scientifically accurate products.
3. Marketing and Branding - The expansion of color naming practices provides marketing and branding industries with a chance to differentiate products and evoke emotions through unique and descriptive color names.
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