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Hull's Heritage restored

Heritage colours from Dulux Trade have been used as part of a successful refurbishment project to create a sympathetic colour scheme at the City Hall in Hull. The building - known as Hull's 'Jewel in the Crown' ­ has undergone extensive redecoration using finishes which will provide durability in a busy and popular venue while complementing the traditional architecture.

Designed in the renaissance style at the end of the Victorian era, the City Hall has a fascinating history, magnificent architecture and a spectacular interior. A programme of redecoration throughout the building ensures the colour scheme remains fresh and aesthetically pleasing. Dulux Trade were consulted to propose two colour schemes which would compliment existing fixtures and fittings whilst still being true to the buildings history.

The Heritage range is a collection of 120 accurate period colours from defining eras in British history, but available in modern day finishes, to allow specifiers to create historically accurate schemes, or to use characteristically subtle and muted shades to form complementary designs.

Tiffany Hall, one of the colour consultants for Dulux Trade, created two suitable colour schemes for City Hall designed to work with the existing fixtures and fittings and the lighting conditions of the site from a palette of Heritage colours using the highly durable Diamond Matt finish, vital to a venue in regular use for large public gatherings such as pop concerts, shows and ceremonies.

A combination of white, metallic gold and deep Spanish Brown were specified for the main auditorium area. The scheme was carried through to the reception areas and stairways, all complimented by William Morris wallcoverings. The combination of subtle and strong shades accentuates the striking period features, whilst enhancing the limited natural light.

Tiffany Hall comments: "In the colour scheme for the City Hall it was important that the colours reflected the limited natural daylight that entered the building. The Heritage colours are more muted and have a grey tone which not only reflects the traditional colours, but are also more suitable for the light conditions."

City Hall has a colourful history, including being using as an art gallery, and being badly damaged in a wartime bomb raid. Today, the building is used for several modern events and is home to a fabulous recital organ. With Heritage colours from Dulux Trade, it is set to have a colourful future.