White lead, or lead carbonate,1 is the pigment that formed the basis of most oil paints used in the decoration of houses until comparatively recently. When combined with linseed oil it forms a lead soap2 which gives it excellent working properties – drying and covering well it produces a slightly elastic film which enables it to expand and contract with changes in the temperature in unison with the surface to which it has been applied. The main drawback, however, is its toxicity.
The rest of this essay has been removed after five years. You can read more about the subject in The Anatomy of Colour, published by Thames & Hudson and available from John Sandoe (Books).
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Poor people… and animals.
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Fascinating article. Thank you for sharing!
Dear Patrick, I very much enjoyed your article particularly the pictures of the lady workers, gone are the days where women did a proper days work (just joking).
I just thought I would like to share with you I have completed my first stack with very interesting results. It jolly well works! We have as a result aquired half a ton of lead for the further development of the white as a tube colour.
Best Wishes
Michael
That’s amazing. Yes, I’m delighted that a source of proper Flake White is available for artists although, as you will see, I’m less convinced about its continued use in buildings.