A Birmingham-based creative studio with a passion for place and memory has gone international, after securing its first overseas commission with a world-renowned cultural institution.
Stacey Barnfield, former Birmingham Post editor and founder of The Colour Palette Company, has been commissioned by the Corning Museum of Glass in New York State to create a bespoke colour collection inspired by its celebrated glassmaking heritage.
The partnership marks a major milestone for the studio, which has already collaborated with leading UK museums including Birmingham Museums Trust, the Museum of Liverpool, and York Museums. Now, Stacey’s unique talent for storytelling through colour is being brought to an international audience.
“We’re excited to partner with the Corning Museum of Glass on a project that brings a fresh perspective to the collection through the universal language of colour,” says Barnfield.
“This bespoke palette captures the essence of the museum – from historic glassmaking techniques to contemporary art – and offers visitors a beautiful, tangible way to remember their experience.”
The six-colour palette includes hues inspired by the museum’s collection and glassmaking heritage:
Loetz Tango – a vibrant orange nod to the lively dance and its namesake glassware
Carder Mandarin – evoking Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain
Tiffany Mazarine – a deep sapphire blue inspired by both the Tiffany glass legacy and the Mazarine blue butterfly native to England
These colours now adorn mugs, posters, and tote bags available at one of the largest museum gift shops in the United States.
Stacey admits the commission came as a surprise.
“We knew the palettes were proving popular and had generated some international interest; but then, out of nowhere, the museum reached out after seeing our work on social media. It’s a huge honour to collaborate with such a prestigious institution.”
The Colour Palette Company began during lockdown, born from a moment of nostalgia. A casual image search for a West Midlands bus sparked a powerful emotional response.
“I remembered standing at the bus stop as a kid, travelcard in one hand and school bag in the other. That deep navy blue and cream livery brought back so many memories; trips into town, peering out from the top deck. That bus wasn’t just a vehicle; it was part of my story. And those colours were a part of it.”
That single moment of realisation – that colours can evoke memory and meaning – became the foundation for the business. Today, The Colour Palette Company distils the essence of places, institutions, and shared experiences into beautifully designed palettes that resonate emotionally and visually.
Its work has featured in public art installations across the UK, from Ipswich to Wolverhampton, and even made an appearance on TV, when comedian Joe Lycett wore a Birmingham Colour Palette tea towel as headwear on his Skyseries, The United States of Birmingham. Birmingham City FC has also featured the palettes on matchday programme covers.
“It’s been quite a journey so far,” Stacey reflects. “Corning feels like a milestone moment, especially given the scale and prestige of the museum. Who would have thought colour could help rebuild UK–US trade relations?”
