How did you arrive at the name Sinopia?

In my younger days, before my hair became a shade of mediocrity, it was variously described as ginger, auburn, or Titian, depending on the generosity or eloquence of the observer. It felt appropriate that the name of my business should reflect that colour legacy.

Ginger was taken thanks to Chris Evans, as were Auburn and Titian. I briefly settled on Ochre, a word I liked for both its colour and its prevalence in Provence, particularly around Roussillon, a place I spend a lot of time. That too, unfortunately, was unavailable.

In a conversation over wine, my late brother mentioned Sinopia. It is described a dark reddish-brown natural earth pigment used in classical and Renaissance art, often for underdrawings in frescoes. Historically associated with red earth tones, it could not have been more appropriate.

That is how Sinopia came to be.