In the first of our two part series about the testy debate touched off by the color orange, we discussed how Henry T. Bailey, an art educator and editor of School Arts Magazine,  accused Munsell of “managing the color circle by omitting orange” and being “opposed to the use of ‘strong colors.” As we mentioned in the first post, Bailey partially acquiesced regarding Munsell’s use of the color orange in Munsell’s hue circle. Bailey did so based on the scientific principles Munsell applied to support his use of the color “yellow-red” (YR in Munsell hue notation) instead of orange. So the debate rages on…

OK… No Orange, Scientifically Speaking; but Psychologically Speaking…

Bailey agreed with Munsell’s use of orange in the Munsell hue circle from a scientific perspective.  However, Bailey said he was psychologically opposed to Munsell’s omission of the color orange relative to teaching children. Bailey appeared to take exception to Munsell’s philosophy of teaching children about color by beginning with primary hue alone.  Munsell believed it best for young children to first learn the primary hue circle, and then the relationship of hue and value, while introducing the intermediate hues. Then, in grade four, explore chroma. (Source:  Munsell Color Diaries Volume A8 pp. 154-155)

Munsell likened the teaching of color to that of music—start out by teaching a basic scale of notes, e.g., a single octave, and then build to include intensity, pitch, etc. Despite differing teaching philosophies between Bailey and Munsell, one thing holds true—the bolder orange (10R  or 5YR on the Munsell hue circle), which Bailey thought should be included when teaching color to children, was not part of Munsell’s primary hues. Therefore, according to Munsell, by including “orange” (10R) one cannot teach a balanced approach to color—not to mention the fact that from Munsell’s artistic perspective using pigments, there’s no such thing as “orange”—only a combination of yellow and red pigments.

Scientific Smackdown:  Munsell Sets the “Measured Color System” Record Straight

A.H. Munsell replies to Bailey’s assertions in a letter by Munsell (circa September 1909):

My dear Mr. Bailey:

In reply to your note, I sail next week from New York for the Mediterranean, and so must defer showing you the color charts until my return in October, when it will be a pleasure to make a definite date. For two years, my efforts to give you such a demonstration have failed because you were otherwise occupied; but you have only to make a definite engagement next Fall, and my time shall be at your disposal.

And now, may I say something very frankly, without offense, believing you will accept it as the wound of a friend.  Some statements have appeared in the School Arts Book and elsewhere, which I am sorry to have you make; because to others beside myself, they give the impression that you are unfamiliar with the scientific basis and measured balance, which differentiate my system from the work of other writers in this field.

For your sake as well as my own, I want you to be familiar with the full scope of this new measured color system, which means that you need to set apart at least two hours to study the chart and measuring tests, which are fundamental to clear thinking or definite speech about this marvelous color faculty and the sensations which underlie its exercise.

After such study, you will cease to say that I am opposed to the use of strong colors for children, and that I “manage” the color circle “by omitting orange as a standard.” Such a view is impossible to anyone who studies the book without prejudice.

For several years, the book has been subjected to close scenting by physicists, physiologists, and psychologists; and Professor Techner’s quotation (which I hope you will look up in the January number of the American Journal of Psychology) is but one of the many appreciations.

A letter just received from Munich says the work is to be taken up next fall in the High School of Drawing. So to put yourself in touch with progress – you certainly need to heed my friendly warning.

For two years, my efforts to give you such a demonstration have failed, because you were otherwise occupied, but you have only to make a definite engagement next fall and my time shall be at your disposal.

Yours very sincerely,

(signed) A. H. Munsell

 

 

Enough said… imagine if they had Facebook or Twitter back in the early 1900’s.  This would have been an interesting tweet stream! Learn more about the psychology of color and the Munsell color system.

References

A. H. Munsell Color Diary, 1908-1918, Volume B Part 2 (pp. 262-266).  Courtesy of Rochester Institute of Technology, Munsell Color Science Laboratory.

Read Part.1 : The Color Orange Touches Off a Testy Debate 

Posted by Albert Munsell.