" AURORA BLUE": PAINT RESEARCH IN AN OREGON UTOPIAN SOCIETY , CA . 1870

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Date

1986-03

Authors

Parks, Bonnie Wehle

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

A blue paint color, known as "Aurora Blue," was used in the Aurora Colony (1856-1883) at Aurora, Oregon . The color now used is a light blue which does not correspond to historical samples . The nature and use of this paint was investigated using primary source documentation, field and laboratory analysis , and a personal computer data base as an interpretive tool. A thorough overview of the field of paint research has been presented and issues examined. The pigment was found to be Prussian blue . The hues spanned a range between light blue and deep purple blue . It was used on chair rails, baseboards, and other interior wood architectural elements and furniture pieces . Examination of account books indicated the possibility of home manufacture and mixing of the pigment until the mid 1870s when commercial paint appeared in the records .

Description

121 pages

Keywords

paint, paint research, color analysis, aurora blue, historical samples, historic preservation

Citation