DULUX TRADE PAINTS PERFECT POETRY

Dulux Trade is supporting the creation of a high-profile development led by The National Trust for Scotland, to celebrate the national icon, poet Robert Burns.

The new £20m Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which is due to open on 1 December 2010, will realise the National Trust for Scotland's ambition to create a state of the art museum that will preserve the poet's legacy for generations to come. This includes a re-interpretation of Burns Cottage and the creation of a new 1,600sq ft museum which will provide space for the world's most important Burns collection and its interpretation and storage - making it a draw for Burns fans from across the globe.

In order to ensure the museum would be finished to a specification which complemented the prestigious nature of the building, the National Trust for Scotland's contractor called upon the experts at Dulux Trade. Following a visit to the site in Ayrshire, experts from the company developed an interior specification for the museum which would not only look smart, but would also provide a durable finish, able to withstand a large volume of visitors.

The specialists at Dulux Trade were tasked with creating a bright and inviting feel for the building and therefore recommended a combination of Dulux Trade products. These included Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Vinyl Matt for the interior and Dulux Trade Weathershield Ultimate Woodstain for the exterior woodwork.

Due to the high volume of traffic expected at the museum, it was essential that a robust coating was used on the internal walls. Therefore Sandy Forrest and Michael Oates at ICI Paints AkzoNobel who oversaw the project, selected Dulux Trade Diamond Matt for the interior decoration. Not only is Diamond Matt ten times tougher than vinyl silk emulsion, it is also resistant to common stains and is easy to clean, making it the ideal choice for the museum.

Sandy Forrest comments: "The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will attract visitors from all over the world, so it was important to achieve a premium finish, both inside and out. What's more, the extensive array of colours offered within the Diamond Matt and Vinyl Matt ranges allowed us to develop a striking design scheme that was creative but also in keeping with the style of the museum."

Sandy and Michael worked closely with the team on site, maintaining regular contact to ensure that the correct products were delivered within the timeframe and according to the brief. Through regular meetings on site, the experts from Dulux Trade were able to offer regular advice and support.

For further information on Dulux Trade please visit www.duluxtrade.co.uk.