Colour Lab: From Field to Studio

Join colour researcher and trend forecaster Laura Perryman, author of The Colour Bible, for an immersive three-day journey exploring how colour shapes our world. This unique experience combines field work, historical discovery, and future innovation across two distinctive Walthamstow locations. The adventure begins Friday afternoon at a working flower farm on Coppermill Lane, where Laura shares her professional process for finding authentic colour starting points in nature. Through guided foraging, participants learn to see the landscape through a colour consultant's expert eye, discovering natural dye potential in seasonal plants and flowers. This intimate session teaches professional colour identification techniques used in commercial trend forecasting, whilst connecting with nature's therapeutic qualities. Participants create simple natural inks and pigments using foraged materials, developing personal seasonal palettes to document in take-home colour journals. On Saturday and Sunday, Laura's working studio at Switchboard Studios transforms into a living laboratory, where visitors can drop in throughout the weekend to witness real colour research in action. The Colour Lab Open Studios features four discovery zones spanning colour's timeline, from prehistoric cave pigments to cutting-edge bio-colours. Visitors can grind ancient pigments using traditional mortar and pestle techniques, discover why certain colour combinations have shaped civilisations, and glimpse sustainable colour innovation, including bacterial pigments and pH-responsive dyes. Saturday focuses on historical foundations, exploring the stories behind everyday colours most people take for granted. Sunday ventures into sustainable colour futures, examining circular colour economy principles and environmentally conscious practices that will shape the industry's next chapter. The weekend operates as a flowing experience where visitors engage at their own pace, with optional timed workshop sessions offering deeper exploration for those seeking hands-on making experiences or personal colour consultations. This intimate format allows genuine insight into the fascinating world of professional colour research. Laura's work as a colour consultant spans interior design, technology and lifestyle brands, translating nature-derived colour strategies into commercial applications. Based in Walthamstow's creative quarter, Colour of Saying represents the area's commitment to thoughtful research and innovative thinking. Perfect for designers, makers, families, and anyone curious about the hidden stories of colour that surround us daily. Colour Lab: From Field to Studio part 1 - An Afternoon Nature Colour Experience Friday 19th (open for all) https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lauraperrymancolourofsaying/1800317 Colour Lab: From Field to Studio part 2 - Tickets Thursday 18h (industry preview afternoon), Saturday & Sunday 20th & 21st (open for all) https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lauraperrymancolourofsaying/1800410 The William Morris Design Line is an open weekend of design, craft and making across Blackhorse Lane and Argall Industrial Area in Walthamstow and Leyton, East London. This celebration of local creativity showcases the vibrant making community thriving in Waltham Forest, continuing the legacy of William Morris and the area's rich design heritage.