Verdant and vibrant

Humans have long been drawn to verdant green hues due to their intrinsic connection to nature and the positive psychological effects they produce. The colour most commonly associated with lush vegetation and abundant life, green evokes feelings of tranquillity, renewal and harmony. This association stems from humanity’s evolutionary past, where verdant landscapes signalled fertile grounds and sources of sustenance. In fact, the name for the pigment which allows plants to photosynthesise light and turn it into energy, chlorophyll, stems from chlōros – the Ancient Greek word for green. The colour itself is associated with growth, fertility and youth, but green is also the word we use to describe things that are fresh and new, such as recently cut timber or someone who has just joined the workforce.

Green has represented new life, healing and resurrection since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, who prized powdered green gemstones and used them ceremoniously and in ointments for their perceived protective powers. In fashion, green garments have historically symbolised status and prosperity. During the Middle Ages, green was a colour of choice for the nobility – often in sumptuous fabrics like velvet and silk. Verdant green dresswear, shoes and handbags continue to be associated with luxury today, and emerald and parsley greens have recently returned to the catwalk as one of the hottest colours for women’s clothing.

For a long time, green was among the most elusive pigments as green earth pigments are not widespread. Since greens derived from plants are not lightfast, most green paints seen in pre-18th century artwork and decorations were made from mixtures of blue and yellow pigments. For centuries, the only truly green pigments were those derived from copper rich minerals such as malachite and chrysocolla – both of which can be poisonous to humans in powdered form. Verdigris, which is manufactured from copper rust, tended to dull and darken quickly. In the late 18th century, new copper-based pigments were derived using arsenic, however these proved to be highly toxic. It wasn’t until the 19th century when vibrant, safe and stable green paint colours became accessible and only in the 20th century was phthalo green introduced – a hue that’s become an iconic staple for artists looking to capture the essence of nature.

Phthalocyanine pigments were the first organic colourants to be called ‘true’ pigments. Until their discovery, all pigments based on organic matter had started out as a dye or lake before being converted into an insoluble pigment. Lightfast, chemical resistant and intense, the deep, cool emerald-like colour of phthalo green is beloved among artists for its purity and brilliance.

In architecture and interior design, green paint colours continue to be a top choice when creating spaces that feel serene and rejuvenating thanks to their calming properties and green is often employed in spaces intended for relaxation, such as bedrooms and living rooms, or spaces focused on physical and mental wellbeing, like spas and healthcare facilities. It is also frequently used as an accent colour in school design in New Zealand and Australia – likely for its association with youthfulness – and in the financial sector, for its associations with wealth. But, for the most part, the enduring appeal of fresh, verdant greens underscores humanity’s timeless desire to reflect and incorporate the soothing, life-affirming qualities of nature into daily life.

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