Aug 27, 2007

Moroccan Blue

If Morocco has a signature color it is likely cobalt blue. A very particular cobalt known as Majorelle Blue named after French expatriate artist Jacques Majorelle who lived in Marrakesh from 1922-62. He built a villa and studio surrounded by a garden in which he incorporated this shade of blue.

It is easy to see why he was inspired by this particular hue, the intensity of which radiates a glowing warmth complements of the exquisite light of the North African sun.

You can see Majorelle Blue all over Morocco in textiles, pottery and architecture like the photograph of this door taken in the medina or old city of Essaouira.

After Majorelle’s death following a car accident, the garden was neglected for years until it was purchased in 1980 and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge.

Open to the public Jardin Majorelle also houses the museum of Modern of Islamic Art.

3 comments:

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

One of my all time favorite places. I posted on this, too:-)

Wendy said...

Maryam,
thank you for the lovely comments.
I've read that post and it put a smile on my face. Nice photos also. What a wonderful way to spend the summer. It is an amazing place.

Unknown said...

Morocco is an interesting country. I really liked Marrakesh and Fez. They are really magic and beautiful. I know that Medina of Fez is in UNESCO World Heritage list.
Also I liked Teoutuan. It is a picturesque city with one of the oldest old towns in Morocco where local traders sell traditional crafts in the intertwined streets with its marble fountains, royal palace and orange groves. And I know many people who bought in Tetouan property.
And the best adventure I had in Morocco is a trip to the Sahara desert.