This is the entrance hallway of a late 18th century house in Spitalfields - an historic and vibrant area just east of London’s financial district “The City ”.

After removing countless layers of wallpaper, paint, distemper etc. the client discovered a small patch of the original wall treatment. A vivid colour combination of raw sienna, burnt umber and venetian red sang out.

My brief was to match this patch - about 4 square inches in total – and extend throughout the hallway and up to the first floor landing.

The client liked the distressed knocked about look of the original paint, and the evidence of many applied coats of shellac.

I endeavoured to mimic all this and became truly absorbed in the subtle, almost Rothko like tonal variations.