Mylands Paints Bring A Sophisticated Colour Palette to The New ArtPlay Pavilion at Dulwich Picture Gallery

We are delighted to have collaborated with Dulwich Picture Gallery on its landmark project, the ArtPlay Pavilion unveiled in September 2025. A beautifully conceived, sensory-rich environment designed to inspire imaginative play and creative exploration for young children and families. Set within the gallery’s Sculpture Garden, the pavilion houses a play space created by artistic duo Sarah Marsh and Stephanie Jefferies of HoLD Collective, specifically designed to immerse children under eight in creative play activities inspired by the gallery’s historic paintings.

With the inclusion of Mylands paint, the space has been turned into an immersive play space; allowing for imagination, creative freedom and childlike wonder to flow. Experience the Pavilion and its exquisite palette of colours, thoughtfully curated to transform the space into a captivating environment where creativity, play, and the emotive power of colour come to life.

Walls in Copper Green™ No.136, photography by Gavin Kingcome

109A5723 - Feed - portrait.jpg__PID:9ce02a79-edc9-45d3-b348-0416e6856ea1

Dominic Myland and his family at the ArtPlay Pavilion. Upper walls in Copper Green™ No.136, Slide woodwork in FTT-002™ Pale Gold

A PARTNERSHIP IN
COLOUR AND CRAFTMANSHIP

Moving beyond conventional primary colours typically associated with children’s play spaces, Mylands worked closely with HoLD to develop a more nuanced approach to colour selection. The carefully curated palette reflects a belief that children have a developed sense of colour and can be inspired by a broader spectrum of tones and shades – colours that are playful and inspiring, yet gentle and restful at the same time.

The Pavilion’s vibrant yet harmonious palette was carefully curated to enrich the sensory experience of the space, inviting families into an environment where colour becomes a catalyst for creativity, exploration, imagination, and connection.

Central to the palette is Mylands’ Pale Gold, which has been used to gild the space, elevating the pavilion and connecting it to the ornate gilded frames found throughout Dulwich Picture Gallery’s collection. The metallic finish adds a precious quality to the space while maintaining the gallery’s aesthetic continuity.

The collaboration builds on Mylands’ established relationship with Dulwich Picture Gallery, where the company regularly supplies paint backdrops to complement the gallery’s changing exhibitions. This partnership reflects Mylands broader commitment to Britain’s cultural landscape with the company serving as paint supplier to institutions including The National Portrait Gallery and Tate Liverpool.

COLOUR INSPIRATION : THE ELEMENTS

The ArtPlay Pavilion is inspired by paintings from the Gallery’s collection, with four zones echoing the elemental forces: Earth, Sunlight, Water, and Wind. This is reflected in the colours selected within each quadrant: Copper Green™ No.136, FTT-018™ Ultramarine Blue, FTT-002™ Pale Gold, FTT-004™ Silver, FTT-006™ Shocking Pink, Sorrel Green™ No.207 and Circle Line™ No.45

THE DESIGN INSPIRATION

EARTH

Through its Earth element, the inspiration drew from the twisted tree roots and split oaks in paintings like Jan van Kessel’s 'A Wood near The Hague'.  This central element brings together textures from nature and the Sculpture Garden.

For this section of the installation, the designers chose FTT-006™ Shocking Pink

Evocative of sun-warmed clay and aged terracotta, this blend of red and magenta carries an earthy depth reminiscent of natural pigments drawn from the land. Its grounding undertones offer a refined nod to rustic elements such as mocha woods, burnished metals, and mineral-rich soils.

However, its vibrant overtones add a contemporary vibrancy, perfect for childlike minds and imaginative play. The result is a hue that feels both rooted and expressive within the Pavilion: rich in heritage, yet strikingly bright and playful.

SUNLIGHT

The descending rays of sunlight in Arent de Gelder's (1715) 'Jacob's Dream' and Rembrandt’s 'Girl at a Window', gives way to the inspiration of the sunlit space; inviting warmth, glow and the shine of light.

This sense of radiance is beautifully echoed through the use of FTT-002™ Pale Gold and Circle Line™ No.45. Two champagne toned hues that capture the gentle fall of natural sun and sky.

Together, these hues transform the Pavilion into a sanctuary of quiet drama and creative imagination; where the magic of sunlight is at play.

Slide in FTT-002™ Pale Gold & Cirlce Line™ No.45. Wall mural in Copper Green™ No.136

Walls mural in Copper Green™ No.136, Mirror in FTT-018™ Ultramarine Blue

WATER

The bold FTT-018™ Ultramarine Blue, is styled in the Pavilion to reflect the gushing energy of Jacob van Ruisdael’s 'A Waterfall', where torrents surge with drama and motion.

An electrifying hue, this colour brings a sense of depth and texture, echoing the shifting moods of the elements and the quiet rhythm of the changing seasons.

It brings with it a sense of presence and transformation, like the tides and bridges in which they are inspred by. A true embodiment to the power and control of the sea and the water.

This colour allows the Pavilion to embody its sense of childlike wonder and mystery; creating a narrative of countless imaginative opportunites.

WIND

Much like the shifting skies at the turn of a season, the wind holds a quiet tension. This part of the space is all about movement and air, the kind you feel in your hair or see in the trees.

Sorrel Green™ No. 207 and Copper Green™ No.136 have been used in the mural to create the flowy clouds and to procure the aspect of the wind. The joining of the two tones, one darker and one lighter, allow for depth, fluidity and enegetic movement.

It’s inspired by paintings that capture wind in action: trees bending and clothes whipping in Gaspard Dughet’s stormy landscapes, the puffed-up sails in Willem van de Velde’s seascapes, and the steady spin of windmills in Jacob van Ruisdael’s countryside scenes.

Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands commented:

“Our partnership with Dulwich Picture Gallery represents everything we value about working with cultural institutions – the opportunity to contribute to spaces that inspire and educate while supporting our local community. The ArtPlay Pavilion will introduce a new generation to the transformative power of art, and we’re proud that our colours will be part of that journey for years to come.”

Colours that Care

Our paint is an excellent choice for children's spaces due to our commitment to safety, sustainability, and durability. Formulated with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we contribute to healthier indoor air quality, making them safer for young children who are more sensitive to environmental pollutants. Our multitude of finishes, such as Marble Matt Emulsion, are water-based and made with natural ingredients, including earth pigments, ensuring minimal chemical exposure.

The finishes are highly durable, washable, and stain-resistant, ideal for high-traffic areas where fingerprints, crayon marks, and everyday spills are common. In addition, we offer a refined palette of calming, timeless colours that help create nurturing and creative environments for children. With a strong heritage of craftsmanship and quality, we provide a child-friendly solution without compromising on aesthetics or performance.