Tyrian Plum is a wonderfully sophisticated earthy dark reddish-purple colour with real warmth and depth.

This rich mellow aubergine colour has been making an appearance as a supporting shade for the past few years, but now it’s time for this rich jewel colour to take centre stage. Tyrian Plum’s warmth, ripeness and depth of pigment will flatter north-facing spaces and works especially well in intimate spaces like dining rooms and bedrooms.

Tyrian Plum pairs beautifully with many different colours in the Chalk Paint palette. With classic neutrals like County Grey and Old White it will evoke neo-classical elegance. Blend with Honfleur and Burgundy with gold leaf details and set against an Olive or Pale Mallow backdrop for a dramatic look. Create a dark Victorian feel with jewel tones like Knightsbridge Green, or Amsterdam Green – or a contemporary look with Coolabah Green.

The colour is named after Tyrian purple, a natural pigment extracted from sea snails in ancient times.  The dye was also called royal purple or imperial purple and greatly prized in antiquity because it was so time-consuming and expensive to harvest.