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"The Function of Colour in Factories Schools & Hospitals," Circa 1930

Enlightened Brits vs. drudgery

By Rain Noe - April 15

in Visual Communication

I'd love to get my hands on a copy of this book. "The Function of Colour in Factories Schools & Hospitals" is a British book published in 1930. UK-based stationery retailer Present & Correct owns a copy, and posted these (uncaptioned) scans on their blog:

I found an old eBay listing to an already-sold copy, and was able to make out some of the text in the industrial section:

Woodworking Mill

The Problem

The material being fabricated supplies large areas of neutral colour which need some slight colour-contrast in the surroundings to prevent monotony and the consequent loss of production efficiency. It is desired to achieve harmony with the various machines employed—originally supplied in various colours—by repainting them to tone-in with the main scheme.

Heavy Engineering Works

The Problem

This is a large area in which the presence of a great number of very high and heavy machines gives an impression of overpowering weight. It is necessary to reduce the feeling of oppression caused by the size and quantity of machinery, for otherwise premature fatigue will be caused to workers.

Cigarette Sorting Room

The Problem

A large room lit almost entirely from the roof, with a consequent oppressive feeling of enclosure. The work done in it is monotonous and repetitive, and the staff entirely feminine. It is desirable, by the use of colour, to create a pleasant scheme which will diminish the feeling of enclosure and, while being quiet enough to prevent distraction, will be sufficiently stimulating to counteract the monotony of the work.

Color vs. monotony, oppression, repetitiveness. Which do you reckon won?

It is nice to think that a hundred years ago, the publishers thought to put this book out at all. (I wonder what the uptake was.) If you look at most modern factories, it sure doesn't seem like color is a big priority.

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Ryan Cee

7 months ago

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Color is a major part of modern factories, albeit a small amount of it. Yellow, a universal and OSHA mandated hue for multiple safety scenarios and settings.
An aside, when people talk of "lost possible futures" they often think of the zeerust of the 1950's Space Age and associated designs. But to me the most tragic lost future is the one we began to see a glimpse of in the 1930's, where truly modern designs that wouldn't be out of place today or at least recognizable as "futuristic" in some manner came into being, before being subsumed by the horrors of the subsequent decade.

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Shel Kimen

7 months ago

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Thank you for sharing this! I love the illustrations and also the human-centered thought (and science).

I believe it was Goethe in 1810 who first linked color to psychological and behavioral impacts. However the Egyptians had strong associations with color and healing, as well definitions of meanings, theorized by archeologists.

No doubt many ancient societies/communities also used color for healing and behavior modification.

I'm fascinated by the many dimensions of color! Hue-Data.com has been creating an LLM/AI system for 10 (?) years, using science and at this point is providing consulting services and access to the tool for product, brand, etc. Working also with companies that make the tools we as designers and design enthusiasts use. I recommend taking a look if you haven't already.

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Michael DiTullo

7 months ago

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These illustrations made my day!

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