October 2025 News
October 2025
Welcome October!
Autumn Colours: A Surprise Twist
This autumn brought us an unexpected turn. We imagined the season would be filled
with warm, cosy shades such as the magnificent Arabella’s Pumpkin and Marco’s
Terracotta. Instead, the colours that captured everyone’s hearts were greens and
blues.
Perhaps this was inspired by a lovely online editorial featuring a Chelsea cottage
painted entirely in Cilantro from our Cuban Collection designed by Sarah Morris
from design studio McWhirter Morris. You can explore the article here.
A Colourful Conversation
Another joyful moment this month was being invited by Maria Le Mesurier to join her
podcast. The conversation was lively, full of thoughtful questions, and a real pleasure
to record.
If you’d like to listen, you can find it on Spotify — Episode 65. We spoke about the
colours of my own home, the way I design palettes, the fascinating challenge of how
colours don’t always translate from one space to another, and so much more. I love
podcasts for their intimacy — they let you glimpse the person behind the work.
My Upcoming Journey to India
On the 12th of October, I will leave for India on what I hope will be a truly spiritual
and transformative journey. It begins with a Yatra through the Himalayan temples,
culminating in Badrinath near the Tibetan border. From there, I will fly to Trivandrum
to spend 45 days in the Sivananda Ashram, undertaking Panchakarma — a
profound cleansing of body, mind, and soul.
This trip has a special meaning for me. At the beginning of the year, I was
hospitalised with pneumonia, an experience that made me deeply aware of the
fragility of life. Then, over the summer, I lost three close friends, which only
strengthened my resolve to follow what feels most essential and true.
Francesca’s Paints Turns 29 on the 14th November.
Next month Francesca’s Paints celebrates its 29th birthday. More than half of my life
has been devoted to mixing paints and creating colours, and I feel so grateful for the
journey. While I am away, the studio will be in the most capable hands.
Wren will be leading with wonderful steadiness and care, Alice has recently
joined us and brings a painter’s sensitivity and a deep understanding of colour, and
Stevie, who has been with us for eight years, will continue hand-painting our colour
cards and A4s with her usual dedication. I have complete trust in them and know
they will carry Francesca’s Paints with the same love and devotion as I do.
Until December
I will return at the beginning of December and very much look forward to sharing the
experiences and insights of this journey with you then.
Thank you, as always, for your kindness, your understanding, and your continued
support.
With warm wishes,
Francesca
