Ochre also referred to as ocher refers to a shade of colour. The word "ochre" comes from the Greek word "ochros" meaning "yellow". As a colour it is described as being either light yellow brown or golden yellow. It is however found in colour charts which depict the shades of the colour brown. It is also used as a pigment and refers to various earths containing alumina, silica and ferric oxide.
Two of the industrial applications of Ochre were in the fishing and paint cum metal working industries. Both these applications were developed in Brixham. The former had sails of fishing boats infused with the pigment to protect them from the corrosive effects of sea water. It was also used as paint applied to iron works to prevent rust from developing. This second application became world famous as there were no alternatives available at that point of time.
Two of the industrial applications of Ochre were in the fishing and paint cum metal working industries. Both these applications were developed in Brixham. The former had sails of fishing boats infused with the pigment to protect them from the corrosive effects of sea water. It was also used as paint applied to iron works to prevent rust from developing. This second application became world famous as there were no alternatives available at that point of time.