The Colour Makers Story
A Fascinating Story that is based on a real place & the real experiences of the author as an artist
Alice Harper thought her artistic dreams were over. After a brutal critique from her Oxford professor leaves her confidence shattered, she escapes to the historic market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, where she stumbles upon the Colour Maker's House, in this centuries-old workshop where pigments are still created using medieval alchemical methods.
Under the gentle guidance of master craftsman Thomas Harrison, Alice learns to transform humble earth and stone into radiant colours through fire, patience, and ancient wisdom. As she grinds lapis lazuli and calcines ochre, she discovers that creating colour is itself a form of alchemy—one that slowly transforms her from a doubtful student into a confident artist with her own unique voice.
But Alice's newfound passion faces powerful opposition. Her father expects her to honour their agreement and join his law firm by July. Her former professor arrives with threats and manipulation, determined to steer her away from art. And a rival pigment manufacturer seeks to undermine the traditional methods that have given Alice's work its distinctive luminosity.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the English Lake District, The Colour Makers of Appleby is a richly detailed exploration of artistic awakening and the courage required to follow one's authentic path. Mark Hilsden weaves together traditional craftsmanship, family drama, and the transformative power of mentorship in this atmospheric novel about a young woman who must choose between the security others want for her and the creative life her soul demands.
Perfect for readers who loved The Miniaturist or The Birth of Venus, this is literary fiction that celebrates both artistic tradition and personal revolution.
The Colour Makers of Appleby- An Overview
Chapter 1 Free to Read
Castles in the Air
Aspiring artist Alice escapes her father's expectations and her professor's harsh criticism, driving north to the historic town of Appleby. Enchanted by the castle, ancient streets, and vibrant market square, she rediscovers her artistic passion. A chance encounter and the promise of a quaint art shop offer hope for her creative future. Download Now
Chapter 2 Free to Read
Quest
Alice discovers a hidden pigment shop where Turner and Ruskin once stood, its shelves lined with impossible colours crafted from ancient secrets. When Maggie reveals an unexpected connection to Alice's past, everything changes. In this sanctuary where art and magic intertwine, Alice understands—some paths were always meant to be yours. Download Now
Chapter 3 Free to Read
The Colour Maker
When Alice enters the ancient Colour Maker's workshop, she's searching for her artistic voice. But discovering that her late mother once worked alongside the master colour maker transforms everything. Among jars of luminous pigments and centuries-old secrets, Alice must choose between academic tradition and the dangerous path of true creativity.
Colour MAKERS' Book - Premium Chapters - SPECIAL OfFer!
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As a heartfelt thank you for your continued support, we are thrilled to present you with an exclusive offer: the following 5 chapters plus a complimentary bonus chapter for just £10.00! This is our way of expressing our gratitude for having you as a valued supporter.
Alternatively, you can choose to purchase individual chapters at £2.00 each. We truly appreciate your loyalty!
Purchase the bundle, pre-order the hardback book, and we will give you a coupon against the workshop experience of your choice so you can live the story.
Chapter 4 - £2 to Read
Making Colour
When Alice discovers the ancient art of making colours from earth itself, she uncovers more than pigment—she finds transformation. Under Thomas's guidance, grinding golden ochre becomes alchemy, connecting her to her mother's legacy and awakening powers she never knew existed. Some magic lives in the simplest materials.
Chapter 5 & 6 - £3.99 to Read
Chapters: 5 Calcining, 6 Recollections and Bonus Article
Step into Alice Harper's transformative journey as she discovers the ancient art of colour making in the historic Colour Maker's House. Watch yellow ochre blaze into brilliant red through fire's alchemy, whilst uncovering secrets about her celebrated artist mother's hidden past.
In the atmospheric setting of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Thomas guides Alice through centuries-old techniques that transform ordinary earth into extraordinary pigments. As she learns to calcine and grind, burning her fingers and spilling precious colours, Alice discovers that true artistry requires courage to embrace both triumph and failure.
More than historical fiction, this novel springs from authentic craft experience in a genuine 17th-century workshop. Every sensory detail, from the scent of burning minerals to the meditative rhythm of grinding pigments, captures the reality of traditional colour making that continues to this day.
Chapter 7 - £2 to Read
Borrowdale
Alice ascends to Thomas's studio, haunted by Professor Blick's crushing criticism. There, his masterpiece "The Jaws of Borrowdale" reveals how the same green slate becomes both textured foreground and misty distance. As Alice confronts her fear demon, Thomas offers her mother's hidden journal—and the chance to transform artistic paralysis into purpose.
Discover more of Alice's journey of artistic awakening. Buy and read this chapter today →
Chapter 8 - £2 to Read
Can You Help
Alice discovers her mother's journal with a sketch of a figure leaping toward stars. Paralysed by doubt and Professor Blick's crushing criticism, she asks Thomas the question every artist fears: "Am I ready?" His answer leads to otters, red squirrels, and a Winter Showcase opportunity that could change everything.
Read the complete chapter and witness Alice's transformation from fear to fierce determination. Buy and read now
Chapter 9 - £2 to Read
Legacy
At dawn by the Jubilee Bridge, Alice studies otters for her breakthrough painting. Then Thomas reveals her mother's hidden watercolours and makes an offer that changes everything: not just an apprenticeship, but inheriting the Colour Maker's House itself. Three centuries of tradition await her answer.
Discover Alice's life-changing decision and her mother's artistic secrets. Read the complete chapter now