Unique in Switzerland is the pigment and dye library, a section of the Lucerne School of Art and Design’s fascinating MATERIAL ARCHIVE. Here, students of the arts, design and interior design can learn everything there is to know about pigments and dyes, including their professional uses and how to create new ones. They can thereby draw on actual samples of around 500 pigments, 800 paint applications, and a diverse range of textiles coloured with natural dyes.
The Material Library is under the same roof as its kindred spirit The Colour Space, where around 250 pigments and various binders and supports are available for experimentation. Thus, in addition to theoretical insights and schooling in visual appreciation, students can acquire a working knowledge of materials.
And not only students use the Material Library. Pigments and colour patterns enhance design teaching too, and are used in research projects. And often, the results of experimental applications in class or during research come in turn to enrich the archive.
Another essential part of the Material Library’s work is public outreach and presentations. Guided tours allow external aficionados of colour to delve into the impressive world of pigments and draw inspiration from their tonal and formal range. Also, workshops devoted to handling pure pigments can be arranged on request.
www.materialarchiv.ch
