The Legacy of Lawrence Herbert: A Deep Dive into "The King of Color"

“The King of Color” is a documentary centered on Lawrence Herbert, the creator of the Pantone Matching System, which revolutionized color standardization across various industries. Herbert, now in his 90s, expresses a desire to leave a lasting legacy, stating, “I wanted to leave something behind.” The film, directed by Patrick Creadon, explores Herbert's significant yet often overlooked impact on color consistency in printing, advertising, fashion, and digital media.

New York Times

In the 1960s, Herbert introduced the Pantone Matching System, a standardized color identification method that assigned numbers to colors, allowing for uniformity in production. Prior to this innovation, color descriptions were subjective, leading to inconsistencies. Herbert explains, “If I said to you, ‘Give me a rose red,’ everybody would come along with a different color rose red.” This system enabled manufacturers to produce a wide array of colors reliably, fundamentally altering how industries approached color.

New York Times

The influence of the Pantone Matching System extends beyond printing; it has shaped trends in advertising and fashion, and continues to resonate in the digital realm. Recently, Pantone's selection of a white shade named Cloud Dancer as the color of 2026 sparked debate, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Herbert's work. Some commentators suggest that Herbert's contributions may surpass those of more widely recognized figures like Steve Jobs or Ray Kroc, though his name remains less known.

New York Times

Despite its ambitious aim to elevate Herbert's legacy, “The King of Color” has faced criticism for its self-indulgent tone. Herbert's daughter, Lisa, described the project as “a little self-centered,” indicating a potential disconnect between the film's intentions and its execution. Critics argue that while Herbert's contributions are significant, the documentary may overstate his importance in the broader cultural landscape.

New York Times

The documentary presents Herbert's perspective on his legacy and the Pantone Matching System, emphasizing his desire for recognition. However, the film's portrayal has led to mixed reactions, with some viewers appreciating the insights into color technology while others question the film's narrative focus.

New York Times

• “I’d be happier if it was a lot cheaper,” — Lawrence Herbert

New York Times

• “If I said to you, ‘Give me a rose red,’ everybody would come along with a different color rose red.” — Lawrence Herbert

New York Times

• “The King of Color,” aims to offer a corrective. — Review Commentary

New York Times

“The King of Color” serves as both a tribute to Lawrence Herbert's groundbreaking work and a reflection on the complexities of legacy in the creative industries. While it seeks to elevate Herbert's status, the documentary also invites scrutiny regarding the balance between personal narrative and broader historical impact.

New York Times