Description
Pyrrole Red, or Pigment Red 254, was the first pyrrole pigment to enter artists' colour ranges, originally developed for high-end automotive coatings. Luxury sports cars, notably Ferraris, demanded a red with exceptional permanence, as traditional reds tended to fade under prolonged sunlight. Within the automotive industry, PR254 became synonymous with Ferrari’s signature shade—informally called "Ferrari Red" and officially known as "Rosso Corsa." A common myth suggests Ferrari owns exclusive rights to this colour, but in reality, PR254 has been widely used by other automakers, including Alfa Romeo, BMW, and Lexus.
The pigment itself was serendipitously discovered in 1974 by Donald Farnum at a Michigan university, though he initially dismissed it as a failed experiment. It was later refined and patented by Ciba-Geigy in 1983, becoming one of the company's most lucrative pigments due to its brilliant hue and durability. Farnum later lamented not recognizing its potential, as securing the patent himself could have made him immensely wealthy.
In artist paints, PR254 offers exceptional lightfastness, outperforming even Cadmium Red. Whether used in thin washes, pale tints, or outdoor applications, it maintains its vibrancy where other reds would degrade. Pyrrole Red, a PR254-based colour, is a pure scarlet with excellent mixing properties, particularly valuable for skin tones and bright, clean reds. Its superior longevity and intensity make it an invaluable addition to any artist’s palette.
