DORSET, England - Farrow & Ball, a British manufacturer of paint and wallpaper, is celebrating a milestone year in 2016 as it marks its 70^th anniversary.

Over the last seven decades Farrow & Ball has grown from a post-war business specializing in commercial contracts to an international premium paint and wallpaper manufacturer, with 55 showrooms worldwide and a global network of retailers covering 67 markets.

The company was founded in 1946 by industrial chemist John Farrow and engineer Richard Ball who built their first factory in Dorset, which is still the home of the brand today. They secured contracts with Ford Motors, the Admiralty and the War Office, establishing Farrow & Ball as a quality and reliable company from the very beginning. At the end of the 1960s, the pair sold the company to Bakers, which was run by Norman Chappell, the inspiration behind the Farrow & Ball color Chappell Green.

During the 1970s and 80s, many paint manufacturers began producing acrylic paints with more plastic and less pigment, but Farrow & Ball retained its original formulations using the finest raw materials to achieve its distinctive range of finishes and unmatched depth of color. The company also pioneered eco-friendly paint production, with water-based formulations for its Estate Emulsion, Modern Emulsion and Exterior Masonry finishes. This ethos was extended to the full range in 2010, which ensured all Farrow & Ball paints are low odor and contain minimal VOCs.

In the 1990s, Farrow & Ball began producing wallpaper using traditional block and trough printing methods, as well as its richly pigmented paint, to give each design a uniquely sumptuous and tactile texture. The decade also saw the launch of Farrow & Ball’s first flagship showroom on the Fulham Road in Chelsea, which opened its doors in 1996. This was followed by the company’s first overseas showrooms in Toronto, Canada, in 1999, as well as Paris and New York.

To recognize this anniversary, Farrow & Ball have a series of launches planned throughout the year. In February, the company introduced nine enticing new additions to its iconic color card, with each shade honoring the timeless Farrow & Ball look. This was followed in May by the publication of its latest book, “How to Decorate,” a highly practical and inspirational guide to the successful use of wallpaper and paint in any home.

The celebrations will continue on 1st September when Farrow & Ball launches its latest wallpaper collection. Inspired by the decade in which the company was founded, the three new designs are contemporary interpretations of classic 1940s prints.

This August, the company will launch a first-of-its kind showroom design in North America with the opening of its newest location in Berkeley, California. This is the brand’s first showroom in the Bay Area, and fourth overall in California.

The 1,500-square-foot showroom will include new elements that will provide an enhanced Farrow & Ball experience for consumers and designers alike. The store will include a brand new color wall, equipped with a unique library theme, an elegant consultation desk, a collection of Farrow & Ball books for additional inspiration, and a new sitting area.