Teme Valley Arts Society Lectures: Death by Wallpaper: Colourful Stories of Chemical Pigments and Dyes

A talk by Lynne Gibson

Wednesday 15 April 2026

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Was Napoleon killed by his green wallpaper? This story begins in 1775 with a German chemist and his experiments with arsenic. The resulting powerful green reached its height of popularity when worn by “Queen of Fashion”, Empress Eugénie. It was printed on wallpaper by Morris & Co. and was a favourite of plein-air artists, such as Monet, Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, keen to capture the freshness of nature. A century later, it was rebranded as rat-poison.

In 1856 a chemistry student took home a school project to make synthetic quinine. He failed his home-work but accidentally invented a vibrant purple dye. Queen Victoria and Empress Eugénie wore dresses in the season’s must-have shade. Punch magazine dubbed the craze: “the mauve measles”!

Scheele’s Green and Perkins’ Mauveine were forerunners of hundreds of synthetic dyes and pigments. You will hear fascinating stories – of serendipitous discoveries, industrial enterprise, and some very sinister secrets.

Lynne Gibson is a freelance lecturer in the History of Art. Originally trained as a fine artist, she has taught painting, drawing and printmaking in higher and adult education. She lectured as an art historian for the universities of Sussex and Bristol where she introduced ‘Understanding Art’ to the Lifelong Learning programme and residential summer schools. Lynne gives talks, lectures and guided tours to many organisations and institutions including ARCA colleges, the National Trust, Art museums and Art societies. As a professional artist specialising in oil painting and etching, she has exhibited in solo and group shows at the RWA, British Museum and the Barbican. 

Attend as a Visitor:

You can attend our lectures for just £8 – pay on the door.  Should you subsequently become a member your first lecture fee will be refunded.

Timings

• 1:45 pm onwards – Members Free Registration / Visitors £8 Ticket
• 2:00 pm Auditorium Doors Open
• 2:15 pm Lecture Begins
• 3:30 pm Refreshments Available.  Meet other members and visitors.

Become A Member:

Our annual membership of £50 or £95 per couple gives you:

• Free Access to 9 Lectures per year
• Exploration Days, Visits and Social Events (extra cost)
• Volunteering opportunites in preservation and conservation projects.
• A quarterly glossy magazine from The Arts Society
• Information on current and local upcoming cultural and artistic events

For membership please see the Teme Valley Arts Society website here.