How Schmincke is reviving its classics from the 1930s

Tradition meets zeitgeist, and becomes surprisingly modern in the process. For over 145 years, Schmincke has been synonymous with the finest artists’ colours ‘Made in Germany’. What began in 1881 with colour chemists Hermann Schmincke and Josef Horadam is now a brand that is valued worldwide for its uncompromising quality and exceptional colour experiences.

Following the great success of the first retro edition, the company is now taking the next step – and immersing itself even deeper into its own history.

A journey back to the 1930s

The second retro annual promotion revives historical designs and classic colours from the 1930s. It’s not just about nostalgic packaging, but also special colours from the company’s own archive – reinterpreted for the requirements of today’s artists.

The focus is on five revived special colours, available in 15 ml tubes:

• Cochenille Red and Stil de Grain as exclusive MUSSINI oil colours

• Gummi Guttae, Solferino and Cassler Brown for the HORADAM Aquarell series

These historical pigments not only lend a special aesthetic appeal, but also open up exciting mixing possibilities for contemporary painting.

Curated sets with character

In addition to the individual colours, Schmincke offers three thoughtfully curated HORADAM watercolour sets. Particularly appealing is an edition based on the historic DIN 201 standard, originally developed for architecture and technical drawing.

Today, these classic colours work just as well for free, modern watercolour art – a beautiful combination of functionality and creativity.

Both a collector’s item and a studio highlight

The exclusive HORADAM luxury wooden box is a real statement piece. It is aimed at collectors and demanding artists who are looking for something special.

The contents read like a small studio in a box:

•    12 selected colours including the three special shades
•    Porcelain palette and two porcelain bowls
•    Limited edition retro watercolour brush from da Vinci (#10)
•    Golden Kaweco BRASS mechanical pencil with Schmincke retro engraving

Functionality meets classic aesthetics – a tool set with collector’s value.

Pastels in a vintage touring set

The pastel line also picks up on the retro theme. A 1930s-style travel case – made of walnut-stained beech wood, with brass fittings, a leather handle and nostalgic details – stores extra-soft, hand-formed artist’s pastels in removable drawers and an exclusive cloth in a retro design.

A high-quality tool that is also an aesthetic design object.

Attention to detail – right down to the packaging

What makes this edition so special is its consistent design:

lovingly crafted sets and packaging with historical owl prints, retro labels, matching inserts in the style of the time and even a typewritten letter from the management at the time create a harmonious overall experience. You’re not just holding colours in your hands, but a piece of brand history.

More than nostalgia

The Retro line is much more than a tribute to the past. It combines craftsmanship, design history and modern performance – for design lovers alike as well as professional and ambitious artists.

With its second Retro Edition, Schmincke demonstrates once again that tradition is not stagnation. It is inspiration.

Those who love colour will find not only tools here, but stories too.