LUKAS’s story is one rooted in artistry, innovation and a deep connection to the artistic community. Originally founded in Düsseldorf in October 1862 by Dr Franz Schoenfeld, the company began by producing high-quality watercolours and oil paints, underpinned by a family tradition of serving local artists and the prestigious Düsseldorf Academy. It adopted the image of St Lukas, the patron saint of painters, around 1900 – an emblem that remains a hallmark of the brand today. Over the decades, leadership passed through Schoenfeld’s descendants, Paul, Eduard Talbot and Christa Talbot, before the company relocated to modern premises in the 1960s.
In 1964, LUKAS pioneered Europe’s first artist-quality acrylic paint, CRYL. The late 20th century saw further innovation, including the 1999 launch of Berlin Oil, a water-mixable oil paint, and, following acquisitions and restructuring, LUKAS joined the FILA Group in 2016. Throughout its history, LUKAS has remained committed to delivering professional-quality, reliable art materials at accessible prices.
Found old LUKAS vintage products?
We’re always interested to hear from artists and collectors who’ve come across old LUKAS products. Whether it’s a well-worn paint tube or a vintage tin, your find could be part of our brand’s creative legacy. While our historical archive is limited, we may be able to identify the packaging, product line, or approximate production period.
If you’ve discovered a vintage LUKAS item, please email a clear photo, along with any visible labels or markings, to: info@lukas.eu. We’ll do our best to share any information we can about its history.
Please note: We’re only able to provide insight into LUKAS products, not details about artists or previous owners.
