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Little Greene at The Whitworth Art Gallery

As official paint sponsor to The Whitworth Art Gallery, Little Greene supplies paint for their internationally significant collections. the 125 year old gallery selected shades from our authentic ‘Colours of England’ card. The colours were chosen specifically for each space, dependent on the lighting in the room and the type of artwork on display. The Grand Hall combines ‘Normandy Grey’ (79) with our Victorian ‘Sage Green’ (80). This pairing makes for a solid yet subtle backdrop, creating a calm, soothing environment. Other tones chosen for the gallery included the pure, natural white of ‘Shirting’ (129). This white hue features on the building’s beautiful barrel vaulted ceiling as well as the light, white 'Slaked Lime' (105).

Photographs courtesy of/copyright Michael Pollard ©

(Un)Defining Queer at the Whitworth, 2023

Colours that represent the Transgender Pride Flag were selected to create an inspiring backdrop. The Whitworth’s (Un)Defining Queer exhibition featured Confetti, Pale Wedgwood and Shirting to provide a backdrop to art pieces.

Find out more on our blog
Photographs courtesy of/copyright Michael Pollard ©
Photographs courtesy of/copyright Michael Pollard ©

Open House, 2021-22

Open House displayed wallpapers collected by the Whitworth Gallery from 1967. The exhibition focused on the mass-produced designs that adorned the walls of almost every English home. The exhibition celebrated the lives lived in front of the wallpaper from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Examples started from the time of World War II. So visitors could imagine the people and stories witnessed by these diverse patterns. The exhibition incorporated two local photography series and family album images. These contributions from the public helped to bring the era to life.

Our timeless ochre, Middle Buff, perfectly complemented the vintage photography. But it is the unmistakable retro design of our Starflower – Marigold wallpaper (1967) that really took centre stage.

Photograph: The Whitworth Art Gallery

Standardisation and Deviation: The Whitworth Story, 2020

As official paint sponsor to The Whitworth Art Gallery, Little Greene supplied ‘Royal Navy’ for their exhibition. 'Standardisation and Deviation: The Whitworth Story' told the history of the gallery and the development of its diverse and internationally significant collections.

Royal Blue and Navy Blue is a charismatic alternative to dark grey or black in a neutral colour scheme.

Photograph: The Whitworth Art Gallery

The Art of Play, 2019

Exploring  the art of play, The Whitworth Art Gallery used Little Greene paint to help create a space for families to come together. The Splash Studio incorporates water walls, tables and channels. It is a way of using water to enhance creativity and imagination in a place where art meets nature.

The backdrop for the Splash Studio was the Little Greene shade ‘Regency Blue’. The Prussian Blue pigment and traditional lead-white base gave this beautiful pastel blue its vibrancy and greenish undertone.

Click here to browse our blue shades.
Photograph: The Whitworth Art Gallery

Thread Bearing Witness, 2018

Contemporary textile artist, Alice Kettle selected Little Greene shades for her exhibit ‘Thread Bearing Witness’. Exhibited at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, the collection considered cultural heritage, refugee displacement and movement within the context of the global refugee crisis.

As a highly regarded contemporary artist, Kettle focuses on stitched textiles which she uses to explore such predominant themes. The pure white ‘Shirting’ walls surrounding the exhibition provided the perfect neutral backdrop.

Alice Kettle said: “Textiles make connections with home and community. In its substance it maps our cultural identities. I cannot be an observer; textiles are a way to engage, to show I care in a meaningful way, in a medium where I have a voice. I want to help and make a difference, maybe like all mothers do for their children.”
Photograph: The Whitworth Art Gallery

Raqs Media Collective, 2017

The Whitworth Art Gallery have recently collaborated with Raqs Media Collective on their first major UK exhibition.

The artwork created questions and haunting memorials through new and existing work. The exhibition gave viewers an exceptional opportunity to experience Raqs Media Collective's ideas, insights and art.

The gallery selected a neutral backdrop for the pieces using Little Greene's 'Shirting’.

Photograph: The Whitworth Art Gallery

Beyond Borders, 2017

The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester have launched their latest exhibition, 'Beyond Borders' using Little Greene shades to complement the artwork on display.

The exhibition explores South Asian textiles through media, fibres, embroidery, film, photography and performance.

Each selected artist’s new work is debuted alongside textiles and objects from the Whitworth's extensive textile collection.

The gallery selected our 'High Street' wallpaper in the 'Lapis' colourway and colours including 'Chocolate Colour' 'Marigold' and 'Shirting.'

Beyond Borders will be open to visitors from 20 May 2017 - 3 June 2018.