Marissa’s post reminded me of how much I love the names of Regency colors. I quite agree that “aurora-colored” is quite evocative for the Jubilee cloak. According to Emily Hendrickson’s Regency Reference Book, aurora was the color of the sky at sunrise and became popular around 1791.
Like today, certain colors rose and fell in popularity. Pistachio, for example, was popular in 1819. Some were named for people (Wellington brown) or places (Egyptian brown).
Colors weren’t just for clothing, though. They typified wall coverings, upholstery, front door paint, and carriage lacquer, among others. Here are a few of my favorites.
Pomona green—a warm green with yellow overtones (like those of the hat and coat of the lady at the left).
Coquelicot—the color of poppies (like her parasol)
Evening primrose—a deep yellow, brighter than mustard (like the wrap of the other lady)
Amaranthus—purple of a pink shade
Naccarat—a rosy orange
Celestial blue—like the sky on a summer’s day
Dead salmon—a dusky red. Yes, dead salmon truly was a color available in early nineteenth century England. I absolutely must use it in a story someday. Can’t you see the exchange?
“Oh, Sir Egbert, your house is wonderful.” Penelope gazed around with worshipful eyes.
Egbert fidgeted. In truth, he’d thought the house a little overdone when his architect had proposed the scheme. “Thank you,” he said with what he hoped was the proper humility.
“And that dusky red color on the divan is divine,” she continued. “I must have it for a new pelisse. What is it called?”
Egbert drew himself up, glad to have the answer. “Dead salmon. I think you would look very well in it.”
I think I would too.
2 comments:
You simply must use this in your next novel! It’s simply divine! LOL hilarious! You made me laugh !
Thanks, Paula! That color name is just too inspiring. :-)
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