The Contractors’, Merchants’ and Estate Managers’ compendium and catalogue

This paint chart appeared in ‘The Contractors, Merchants and Estate Managers Compendium and Catalogue’, published in 1904. In the early 1900s, wallpaper was more commonly used than paint to decorate homes. Distemper, a coloured lime wash that creates a soft, powdery finish was sometimes used. Matt oil paint was used on kitchen walls and on staircases because it was washable and durable. Emulsion paint had yet to be invented. The darker colours in this paint chart were for internal woodwork and the exterior of the house.