Established as the shade of show and supremacy, purple is used in decorating to indicate command and illusion. Natural purple is rare, found in a few minerals or processed from Murex snail shells into the dye Tyrian purple, a practice discovered in 1200BC by the Phoenicians. Used only for those people, to quote the Byzantines, ‘born into purple’, it has been the colour of royalty and religion for centuries, observed during significant events, investitures and rituals. Recently, it was the colour of King Charles III’s coronation, appearing in memorabilia and ceremonial décor and costume.
Purple also has mythical and medicinal connotations. It is believed to enhance our mental wellbeing and is often used in spas and
