James Craig and Hugh Rose started their business in 
Edinburgh in 1829 making them the oldest independent 
paint makers in the UK.

However since the heady days of the Empire, where C&R produced paint for just about everything that Britain manufactured and exported, the business of manufacturing and selling paint has undergone substantial changes, not least the introduction of DIY superstores and cheap emulsion. Rather than compete with the low cost/large volume competition C&R has set it’s sights on regaining it’s position at the top of the paint manufacturing world.

We have worked with them on their first step towards this goal with the rebranding of two main product lines – Authentic Period Colours and Opulence. We researched the history of the company through the ages where we discovered that otherwise forgotten old skills have been fused with the modern developments of the day to create the innovative organisation it currently is. This then was the starting point for the new communications, a strong brand offering modern innovative products and steeped in historical tradition.

On the strength of this work C&R have secured increased retail presence in major stores, including leading the premium paint offering in over 350 B&Q stores.

planner  Jim Fraser,  copywriter  Stuart Delves,  illustrator  Iain Macintosh,  photographer  Chris Lomas


Back to what have we done?