THE HISTORY OF FLASHE
From the outset, Lefranc Bourgeois has sought to make each colour more than just a hue: a vibrant, visceral blend of texture and emotion. The company brings colour to life and offers every artist the chance to reveal their talent. Since 1720, Lefranc Bourgeois has been innovating and moving towards the painting of the future to make it easier for all artists to create. And the unique features of the Flashe are testament to this.
The Birth of Flashe
Since 1720, Lefranc Bourgeois has been creating innovative colours that inspire generations of artists. Flashe reflects this heritage with its exceptional colour intensity, ultra-matte finish and unmatched versatility.
A Favorite in Art Schools
Flashe quickly became a favourite in art schools. Its ultra-matte finish, exceptional coverage and multi-surface versatility encourage artists to experiment without limits.
Flashe Collector: Celebrating 70 Years of Flashe
To celebrate Flashe’s 70th anniversary, six international artists created exclusive limited-edition colours inspired by their unique vision. Developed at our Le Mans factory, each shade celebrates Flashe’s legacy of artistic collaboration.
16 Bio-Based Flashe Colors
Flashe expands its range with 16 bio-based colours, offering a more sustainable way to create. Made in France, they deliver the same iconic ultra-matte finish and multi-surface performance with a 97% bio-based binder.
The Birth of Flashe
Since 1720, Lefranc Bourgeois has believed that color is more than a shade it is a powerful expression of texture, emotion, and creativity. Driven by a passion for innovation, the brand has continuously developed new ways to help artists bring their ideas to life. For over 300 years, Lefranc Bourgeois has been shaping the future of painting, creating high-performance materials that inspire artists of every generation. Flashe is a perfect example of this commitment: a unique paint that combines exceptional color intensity, an ultra-matte finish, and outstanding versatility.
The Vasarely Collaboration
In the 1980s, renowned Op Art pioneer Victor Vasarely partnered with Lefranc Bourgeois to further enhance Flashe’s unique properties. Working alongside the brand’s expert chemists, he helped develop a dedicated Flashe range bearing his name. Today, although that collection is no longer produced, Flashe remains a favorite among artists worldwide, celebrated for its iconic ultra-matte finish, exceptional versatility, and unmistakable character.
A Favorite in Art Schools
Flashe quickly became a favorite in art schools. Its exceptional coverage, ultra-matte finish, and smooth consistency make it perfect for exploring creativity on almost any surface from wood, metal, and glass to fabric, plastic, and foam. With endless creative possibilities, Flashe encourages students to experiment, discover new techniques, and bring bold ideas to life.
Flashe Collector: Celebrating 70 Years of Flashe
To celebrate 70 years of Flashe, Lefranc Bourgeois invited six renowned international artists JonOne, RaKaJoo, Agnes Cecile, Thierry Lefort, Paolo Troilo, and Kelly Anna to create six exclusive limited-edition colors inspired by their unique artistic vision.Following the legacy of Victor Vasarely, who collaborated with Lefranc Bourgeois in the 1980s, each artist visited our factory in Le Mans, France, the world's largest fine art paint manufacturing site, to develop their own signature Flashe color.
16 Bio-Based Flashe Colors
Lefranc Bourgeois expands its iconic Flashe range with 16 new bio-based colors, offering artists a more sustainable way to create. Made in Le Mans, France, Flashe Bio-Based delivers the same signature ultra-matte finish and exceptional performance on virtually any surface, including canvas, wood, paper, metal, glass, and ceramics. Formulated with a 97% bio-based binder and packaged in recycled and recyclable plastic jars, it combines artistic excellence with a more responsible approach.
MISSIONS
A pioneer in the fine arts since 1720, Lefranc Bourgeois reveals talent with passion and high standards and is committed to the effervescence of art for all so that everyone can DARE TO PAINT!
A PIONEER IN THE FINE ARTS INDUSTRY
Founded in 1720, Lefranc Bourgeois has been at the forefront of fine art innovation for over 300 years. From pioneering the paint tube that transformed plein air painting to developing iconic products like Flashe the world's first vinyl paint the brand has continuously pushed the boundaries of creativity. Today, Lefranc Bourgeois remains committed to creating high-performance, innovative colors that inspire artists around the world.
SUPPORT ARTISTS
For over 300 years, Lefranc Bourgeois has collaborated closely with some of the world's greatest artists, including Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, Dubuffet, and Vasarely. By listening to artists' needs, the brand has developed innovative colors and formulas that have shaped the history of fine art and continue to inspire creators today.
ART FOR EVERYONE
"Every child is an artist." Pablo Picasso
For generations, Lefranc Bourgeois has inspired young artists with safe, high-quality art materials designed for learning and creativity. From school classrooms to home studios, the brand helps children explore color, develop new skills, and express their imagination through products made specifically for the next generation of artists.
FROM CHILDREN TO STUDENTS
From children to art students, Lefranc Bourgeois has supported artistic education for generations. A proud partner of the Beaux-Arts de Paris since 2012, the brand sponsors workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies while helping nurture the next generation of creative talent.
MAKING A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
Committed to a more sustainable future, Lefranc Bourgeois continues to innovate with eco-conscious materials and packaging. From introducing non-toxic colors to pioneering cadmium-free paints, the brand has led the way in developing safer, high-performance products that respect both artists and the environment.
LEFRANC BOURGEOIS IS A B CORP BRAND
Lefranc Bourgeois is proud to announce its B-Corp certification, which recognizes its commitment to serving the artistic community through responsible and sustainable business practices, the well-being of its employees, and its positive impact on the environment.B-Corp certification is a rigorous assessment of a company's social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.