The colour palettes related to Lewis Carroll’s traditional tales, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and By the Trying-Glass, sometimes evoke a way of caprice and surrealism. These palettes usually function vibrant, contrasting hues, reminiscent of vibrant blues, greens, reds, and yellows, alongside softer pastels like lavender and pale pink. Particular examples embody Alice’s iconic blue costume, the Queen of Hearts’ crimson and black apparel, and the Cheshire Cat’s pink stripes.
This vibrant and generally clashing use of colour contributes considerably to the dreamlike environment of Wonderland. The surprising juxtapositions mirror the nonsensical logic and unpredictable nature of the narratives. Traditionally, the illustrations accompanying varied editions of the books have influenced the perceived colour schemes. Early illustrations, reminiscent of these by John Tenniel, leaned in the direction of a extra muted palette, whereas later interpretations usually embraced bolder, extra saturated colours, reflecting evolving inventive traits and interpretations of the tales.