The exhibition, which is open in Sheffield until Sunday 14th September, brings together over 150 objects spanning art, science, nature and cultural histories
This new exhibition, which will tour the UK, delves deep into the kaleidoscope of shades and hues that surround us to investigate colour in all its forms – how we see it, how it’s made, how it’s used and what it means. Four key themes have been explored in depth asking fundamental questions: How is Colour Made? exploring the many sources of colour pigments and dyes; Is Colour Useful? reflecting on how colour is utilised for communication by humans, animal and plants; What Does Colour Mean? looking at the meanings we attach to colour, how those meanings can differ and change, and how colour can reflect our history, identity, culture and beliefs; and What is Colour? examining the science behind how we see colour – how humans and animals perceive colour differently, and how technology changes the way we see colour. Above: Colour Exhibition at the Millennium Gallery – Photo: © Andy Brown
Among the displays, visitors can see artwork by Hokusai, Kandinsky, Bridget Riley and Andy Warhol, alongside examples of exquisitely crafted decorative ceramics. Other objects on display include beautiful bird plumage and iridescent insects. They show how colour is used in the natural world and textiles demonstrating the rich spectrum of natural and manmade pigments and dyes. Other highlighted items on display include a new large-scale mural by artist Grace Visions adorning the back wall of the exhibition space, created as part of Sheffield’s Lick of Paint street art festival. In addition, pre-historic gold jewellery showing the value of colour across millennia and a diamante-studded Trinidadian carnival costume are also highlights.
A touring exhibition in the UK
Colour has been created for the Museums and Galleries Network for Exhibition Touring (MAGNET), with Art Fund support and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. It has been curated by Sheffield Museums, in partnership with Tullie Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle, Hampshire Cultural Trust , Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk
The exhibition is currently taking place at The Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PP (open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–5pm) through to Sunday 14th September 2025. Colour will subsequently tour to the following venues: Tullie, Carlisle, 26th September 2025 – 25 January 2026; Gosport Museum & Art Gallery, Hampshire: 7 February – 24 April 2026; Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, 23 May – 6 Sept 2026; and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, 26 October 2026 – 31 January 2027.