Behind The Scenes: How Farrow & Ball Paint Is Made
Senior editor Morgan Michener shares scenes from her trip to the Farrow & Ball factory in Dorset, England.
I’m a huge fan of Farrow & Ball — I’ve used the paint firsthand and love it. In my own home, I have rooms painted in Pale Powder No. 204, and Pointing No. 2003, and my daughter’s nursery was wallpapered in St Antoine BP946.
So when they invited me to take a trip to the U.K. as they launched nine new paint colors to their lineup this past September, I jumped at the chance. After visiting Farrow & Ball’s factory in Dorset, England, to see how their paint is made, I love the brand even more. Much like small batch furniture or artisanal pottery, it’s handcrafted and no detail is overlooked. Get a peek at their process below, and see inside a dreamy house in the English countryside that so beautifully displays their products.
Dorset is a beautiful area with gorgeous stone buildings and winding roads. Before visiting the factory, we walked around the area, which is quintessential English countryside. The scene all seems so fitting for the Farrow & Ball headquarters, where they clearly cherish the inspiration around them.
All of the Farrow & Ball products are made in a relatively small factory… hard to believe, right? The body of the paint is made of powdered chalk, and it’s turned into a base with water and stabilizers. The tub shown is one of a few sizes used, based on the color run that they are doing that day.
I was fortunate to see one of my favorite colors being made: Plummet No. 272, a very nice warm gray. The pigment is measured out by a machine into a pail, and then hand-poured into the base paint.
Once the pigment has been loosely mixed, a lid lowers onto the tub of paint and a mixing arm comes into the drum to finish the process.
The drum is then wheeled to a filling station close by, where the cans are filled and sealed.
There is also a small lab in the factory where they regularly test the viscosity and make sure that the paints dry as desired. It’s honestly the wildest thing seeing the paint being made in such a manner.
After the tour, we were treated to a delightful lunch at Abbots Court, a country house that’s sponsored by Farrow & Ball. Every room is painted and papered to perfection.
I took peak into the kitchen (as you do) only to find the wallpaper Hornbeam BP 5005. I just might have to try this one at home somewhere!
Here is one of the guest rooms papered in Feather Grass BP 5102.
Here it is again in the corner of the same room.
Just a guess, but my bet is that this bathroom was painted Salon Drab #290.
Who says you can’t have fun with the trim color! This bedroom had trim painted in Yeabridge Green No. 287.
Lastly, this office with a fireplace mantel, trim, and walls all painted out in Inchyra Blue No. 289 sums up how Farrow & Ball paint has such beautiful depth. Color is back, so don’t be shy and have some fun with it!
