The Mystery Of The Savannah Paint Colors And The Artist Who Solved It -The Original Georgia Traveler

For close to 250 years the mystery of the Savannah paint colors haunted historians. This is the story of the artist who solved it. Savannah, Georgia’ classic buildings date back to the early 1700’s. The city always had a unique color pallet of elegant pastel hues … but, over two centuries the original colors were lost. They were never recorded and vanished. Ann Osteen is an artist who developed a reputation for taking a unique view of the world. As she wandered through the historic district she kept seeing faint glimpses of color on the old buildings. Being a curious person, she took a closer look and under layers and layers of the old paint were tiny pieces of the original colors. Ann started scraping flakes of colors into plastic drinking glasses. With the help of some friends Ann discovered and researched the colors that were believed lost forever. In her studio she used her artist’s eye to recreate the pale pinks, dusty greens, soft grays and ‘haint’ blue. Ann Osteen solved the mystery and gave the 56 Savannah Colors back to the world.
THE REST OF THE STORY
Ann Osteen sold the Savannah Colors to Martin Senour Paints and donated all the royalties to the Historic Savannah Foundation. Ann Osteen was nationally recognized for her paintings and jewelry. Her art and designs were featured in Life Magazine, the New York Times and Southern Living. Her work was exhibited in several museums including: The Witte Museum, Louisiana State Museum, Savannah College of Art and Design and the High Museum. This story aired on WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News in 1975.
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Long before CNN and Fox News the Traveler series with Andy Johnston was an Emmy award winning program that showcased amazing people, unusual things, local legends, food finds, outdoor activities, folk art, and family fun. In 2022 the Walter J. Brown Media Archives at the University of Georgia founded The Original Georgia Traveler -- Andy Johnston Collection to preserve and maintain the stories.
The Traveler Series celebrates life and living in America in the 1970s. Nostalgia, small towns, traditional life and the good old days. The stories give us ways to compare then and now. Folklore, music, handcrafts, vanishing America and unusual people. Funny stories, personal stories and amazing people are in this collection.
This story is presented for educational and preservation purposes and is covered under Fair Use. At the time it was broadcast the television station had a blanket music license with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The station maintains that license today. All music used is covered under that agreement.
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[@72PRODIGALSON]

This was a cool story, I had no idea of. Thanks, Andy.

[@georgiatraveler]

My pleasure

[@90762709]

Love the bell bottom pants and the mood ring!

[@georgiatraveler]

It was a great time. So much style in everything

[@Oliver66FarmBoy]

That old 19th century southern architecture is a sight to see. With all the old world influences you can take a trip around the globe and only have to visit a few states.

[@georgiatraveler]

I admit, Savannah is one of my favorite places in Georgia. About 1976 we were in Hiawssee right up at the Tennessee border and all the stories fell through. So we drove to Savannah ... for dinner. I could always find stories on the coast.

[@olskool3967]

wow! cool story Andy. man, back then in 75 was when i met my wife, we look back at the photos and laugh now at the bell bottoms we wore. they really looked stupid on me but back then but i wouldn't have thought of wearing anything else!

[@georgiatraveler]

Man they were the big thing. My problem was I was short. The wider the bell bottoms, the more I looked like a small tree. But, I wore them every day.