Inspiration from the past: a 1930s pastel set from the Schminckes archives
The original HORADAM set technical colours, series architecture from the Schminckes archives
For 145 years, Schmincke has been synonymous with the finest artists’ colours and uncompromising quality ‘Made in Germany’. Founded in 1881 by colour chemists Hermann Schmincke and Josef Horadam, the long-established company continues to pursue its goal of inspiring artists worldwide with exceptional colours of the finest, consistent quality.
The successful first retro promotion in 2024, inspired by Schmincke products from 1912, was already met with great response from retailers and artists alike. The second annual retro promotion follows on from this success: it is based on historical designs and originals from Schmincke’s own archive and combines authentic design with contemporary performance.
At the heart of the campaign are revived special colours with historical origins, available as individual colours in 15ml tubes: Cochenille Red and Stil de Grain as exclusive MUSSINI special colours for oil painting, as well as Gummi Guttae, Solferino and Cassler Brown in the HORADAM Aquarell range.
MUSSINI historic special colours revived: Cochineal red and Stil de Grain
The retro promotion also includes three carefully curated HORADAM watercolour sets, including an edition based on the historic DIN 201 standard with classic technical colours from the architecture and drawing sector. The harmoniously coordinated colours are equally suitable for free, contemporary watercolour painting today and open up a wide range of mixing possibilities.
HORADAM Aquarell: the luxury walnut stained-wooden box is a precious item for collectors and connoisseurs alike
A special highlight for retailers, collectors and demanding artists is the exclusive HORADAM luxury wooden box: Equipped with 12 selected colours, including the three special colours, a porcelain palette, two porcelain bowls, a da Vinci Retro watercolour brush #10 (limited edition) and a golden Kaweco BRASS mechanical pencil (0.9) with exclusive retro engraving, it combines maximum functionality with classic studio aesthetics.
The set "Technical Colours, series architecture" contains 9 full pans of the HORADAM watercolour range in a revived, historical pan tray
Schmincke also references its own history with its pastels: the 1930s-style pastel travel case, made of walnut-stained beech with brass fittings, a leather handle and nostalgic details, contains extra-soft, handmade artists’ pastels in removable trays – a high-quality tool and a stylish collector’s item all at once.
Based on a historical pastel travel case from 1930, this case is a modern interpretation of the original
All products of the retro line feature lovingly designed packaging in retro style, the historic owl print on the boxes, retro labels on tubes and pans, a watercolour or pastel insert reflecting the era, and a typewritten letter from the management at the time. This creates a harmonious overall experience that combines product quality and brand history.
The annual retro promotion is equally aimed at retailers, collectors, and professional and ambitious artists. It creates eye-catching impulses at the point of sale and at the same time tells the story of a brand that has stood for genuine artistic quality for generations.
Honoring the art-loving elector of Düsseldorf (Schminckes home base) with the HORADAM Aquarell set "Jan Wellem"
Also with this second retro edition, Schmincke underlines its commitment to keeping tradition alive and bringing colour history to life again – today as in the past: the best quality for the highest standards.
Find out more
Explore these special editions and get inspired by the past – for your art today. Learn more at schmincke.de
