This volume arises from the International Colloquium on Colour and Painting in Ancient Egypt, organized by the Department of Egyptian Antiquities in the British Museum in 1996. Contributions range from the search for accurate methods of recording painted scenes on the monuments, through ancient painting techniques, to the symbolic meaning of colour to the ancient Egyptians, an understanding of which allows a better appreciation of their artistic creations. The application of the latest scientific techniques to ancient pigments is also well represented, a field of study that casts new light on the materials used to create the artistic masterpieces of Egypt.