On now: The Alchemy of Colour at The John Rylands Library

There’s a lot more to the John Rylands Library than just the iconic Reading Room, as is proven by its latest exhibition. The Alchemy of Colour. Running until the end of August, the exhibition explores the long and storied history of how artists have created pigments. Throughout the ages, people have experimented with all kinds of ingredients to concoct colours. Often looking to nature, they tried things like blackened bones, and beetles steeped in booze. Bright yellows were cooked up from the cow urine, tree growths dissolved in acid made inky blacks, and precious stones were crushed up into vibrant shades of blue. Using some classic manuscripts in the Library’s collection, the exhibition traces the stories behind some famous artists’ palettes.

Until Mon 27 Aug, The John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH, Tel: 0161 306 0555, times vary, FREE, www.library.manchester.ac.uk