The Dordrecht Colour Fan Deck

The Dordrecht Colour Fan Deck is a unique initiative that preserves and strengthens the historical identity of Dordrecht. It offers a carefully compiled collection of colours specifically designed for use on monumental and iconic buildings in the city centre. This article offers an in-depth exploration of the origin, composition, and use of the Dordrecht Colour Fan Deck.

Historical Context and Development

The Dordrecht Colour Fan Deck is the result of years of intensive historical research. The initiators studied old drawings, paintings and paint specifications to uncover the original colours of Dordrecht's buildings. The research was carried out by a team of experts, including Kees Rouw, Hendrik Groeneweg, and Heide Hinterthür, in collaboration with the Vakteam Erfgoed (Heritage Team) of the municipality of Dordrecht【7†source】.

Composition of the Colour Fan Deck

The colour fan deck consists of 55 colours that are historically inspired but adapted to modern paint methods. This means the colours are not exact replicas of the originals, but interpretations that remain faithful to the historical context. Examples of these colours include:

• Rodermont Blue: Based on a paint specification from 1755 for painting the wooden slats of the Rodermont crane. This colour has a rich, deep blue hue reminiscent of Dordrecht's maritime history【7†source】【8†source】.
• Rutten Yellow: An ochre colour inspired by the drawings of Johannes Rutten (1809-1884). This colour reflects the warm, earthy tints often used in the nineteenth century【7†source】.
• Harbour Green: Refers to the water of Dordrecht's inner harbours, a colour that emphasises the city's connection to water and trade【8†source】.