For almost one hundred years, Humbrol has been producing superiorquality paints. During that time the company has become perhaps the bestknown name in the modelling field and established a worldwide reputation for excellence.
Founded in 1919 as the Humber Oil Company, Humbrol initially supplied bicycle oil for Hull’s growing army of cyclists. In 1935, the firm was asked to produce paints for renovating cycles and came up with Art Enamel. At first just black was available, but demand for other colours followed rapidly, and two years later a range of 12 was launched. These came in ‘tinlets’, appropriately sized to ensure a complete cycle frame and mudguards could be repainted – and all for just sixpence! That emphasis on value was to become a central feature of Humbrol’s operations and remains so to this day.
