These are samples of traditional paint based on iron oxide and/or linseed oil. I love these warm, earthy colours that makes the monochrome landscape come alive and love this unusual way of displaying samples in natural light. The photos were taken at the Gysinge centre for restoration and care of buildings – situated in in the old iron works village Gysinge.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A little gem, well worth a visit. Their shop is crammed with high quality goods – paint, colour bases, tile, linseed oil, traditional fir oil soap for wood, old windows. High quality, but not high brow or overly expensive. These traditional paints with their matte texture enhance the structure of the wood in a beautiful way – and also preserves the wood.