January 2026 News
Celebrating 30 Years of Francesca’s Paints
Happy New Year!
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a restful break. At the studio, we are ready and excited to begin another year—one that holds particular importance for us as it marks 30 years of Francesca’s Paints. We have many ideas for celebrating this milestone and will share those with you as soon as our plans are finalised.
New for 2026: Daily Colour Consultations
One of the most significant changes for the new year is that we now offer our on-site colour consultation service every day of the week, with the exception of Wednesdays.
To book a consultation, please click here.
Please note that our production is currently shifting pace as we reorganise and move toward a more bespoke model. Consequently, we ask that you allow a little more time for your orders. Our motto for the year is: Adapt, Adjust, Accommodate! The Studio will be open three days a week, though these days may vary; please always call before visiting and keep this schedule in mind when ordering. We thank you for your understanding.
A Special Christmas Gift
During the holidays, I received a truly remarkable gift. While I was in Milan, a friend—the artist Francesca Pugno Vanoni—mentioned the podcast I recorded with Maria Le Mesurier to the illustrator and painter Jean Blanche.
He asked for the link to listen and called me the next day, mentioning he had a book on colour to give me. He arrived just two hours before my flight back to London with a 33-page book of illustrations he had drawn based on his impressions of my interview. They are absolutely gorgeous and the most moving present I have ever received.
A Year of Writing & Inspiration
I am embarking on a personal journey this year, enrolling in a non-fiction writing course at City Lit this January, followed by a writing workshop in Somerset. The latter is led by a wonderful writer and long-standing client, Raffaella Barker—a novelist whose work is imbued with the spirit of her home on the North Norfolk coast.
Having previously collaborated with Raffaella on the Colour of My Mind collection, my goal now is to write a book sharing my own experiences with colour. Additionally, following my trip to India, I have several new shades in mind that will be launching very soon!
Colour of the Month: Pillow Talk
In December, our bestseller was Pillow Talk from the Colour of My Mind collection. It is a soft, purply pink created with magenta, violet, and both raw and burnt umbers.
The inspiration for this collection began when Raffaella and I explored the link between words and imagery. We found that the “colour of thought” is incredibly vivid; this palette captures the magical pleasure of reading and translates that mood into physical pigment.
Looking Ahead
The year ahead feels exciting, challenging, and fun. We feel very lucky to love what we do and strive to grow while always keeping the artisan nature of our work at the heart of everything.
We will keep you updated on all our upcoming projects. Thank you for your loyal support over the last three decades!
Best wishes,
Francesca and the Team
