Väriarkisto

Väriarkisto is a digital archive and research project based in Finland that focuses on the collection, preservation, and study of color traditions and historical color usage. Its primary aim is to document and make accessible the rich history of color in Finnish culture, spanning various applications from architecture and interior design to crafts and everyday objects. The project meticulously gathers information about pigments, dyes, color recipes, and color schemes that have been used throughout different historical periods in Finland.

The Väriarkisto collects data through extensive research, including archival studies, interviews with craftspeople and historians, and analysis of historical buildings and artifacts. It aims to create a comprehensive resource that can inform contemporary design practices, restoration efforts, and academic research. The archive includes visual documentation such as photographs and color samples, alongside written descriptions and technical specifications. This detailed approach allows for a deeper understanding of how colors were perceived, produced, and utilized in the past, and how these traditions have evolved.

The project serves as a valuable tool for architects, designers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the cultural history of color. By providing a readily accessible source of historical color information, Väriarkisto helps to maintain and revive traditional color practices, ensuring their relevance for future generations. It also contributes to the broader discourse on the social and cultural significance of color.