The Colourist’s Perspective

When I joined IVO Textiles, it felt more than just my first job, it was the perfect next step after university. Starting out as a hand-printer gave me invaluable insight into how the world of commercial textiles really works. I quickly learned which colour combinations were trending, which palettes felt timeless, and which patterns spoke to me personally. Printing designs for Christopher Farr Cloth quickly became a highlight of my role; their prints were some of my favourites to work with. But perhaps the most defining moment came when I began working closely with IVO’s senior colourist, a true master of the craft with over 30 years of experience. His knowledge was inspiring, and when I was offered the opportunity to train under him as a colourist, I didn’t hesitate.

Is that colour is highly personal, what looks warm and vibrant to one person might feel dull or muted to another. And then there’s the fabric itself. A base cloth with a natural yellow tint can completely alter the way a colour appears and finding the right adjustments to “balance” that undertone can be tricky but so rewarding.

At the factory, we had just 11 pigments to work with, four of which were different tones of blue! You’d think that would feel limiting, but it was the opposite - those pigments pushed me to be more creative. Clients would send anything and everything for us to colour match: painted swatches, scraps of fabric, even pieces of clothing with a colour they loved. All the colours were mixed by hand, measured down to the gram. I still remember the satisfaction of fine-tuning a shade, adding that final drop of pigment, and watching it become exactly the colour I’d been chasing. That moment of perfection - where instinct, skill, and patience all come together never gets old.

As Showroom Manager has only deepened my passion for colour. Working for a textile company whose colours are recognised around the world is a true testament to the universal power of colour on how it speaks to everyone.

Colour has the power to tell stories, to stir memories, and to transform spaces in ways language sometimes can’t. A single shade can feel nostalgic, energising, or soothing, depending on how it’s experienced.

As I continue my journey at Christopher Farr Cloth, I feel more inspired than ever by the endless possibilities that colour offers. Managing the ever-changing showroom allows me to collaborate closely with clients as they reimagine and redesign the space. I get to witness, first-hand, the way people respond to colour - their reactions to a bold pattern, a soft hue, or the endless shades displayed on our sample hangers. These moments remind me that colour is never just about aesthetics, it is about evoking emotion, creating atmosphere, and sparking connections. Every shade tells a story, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of that narrative each day.