During my career as a Museums conservator I have met some wonderful and interesting people, as I guess we all have.
One particular day I was introduced to a lovely old man who had in his possession this watercolour box. Apparently it had been purchased by an earlier family member directly from the great Mr Newmans shop during the 1850s. He said that somewhere in his house he still had the original bill but after looking for it for some time he decided it must be lost. It is a great shame as it would not only have been historically important but I would have loved to have seen it.
 
Anyway as there wasn’t interest in the box from his scattered family members he kindly agreed to sell it to me.
It is really quite an unusual box compared to other boxes by this maker. But we should keep in mind of course that they were very prolific in their offerings, and I’m glad they were as I have seen some beautiful things by them.
 
On opening the lid we see the paint tray that in common with some earlier boxes doubles as an instrument tray.
The majority of the original paints have been used but some remain. That said all of the paints present are genuine early paints.
There are are also a couple of labelled watercolour tubes also by Newman  possibly of a slightly later date. One of these is damaged but the Madder is I think still soft.
 
There are a number of old brushes and a small water pot that although is not original to the box is still a nice addition. In point of fact this box originally didn’t have a water bowl.
 
Underneath the paint tray is a separate tray that I think held paper but could have held a palette though I think as there was never a water bowl this might be unlikely. I’m also not sure this elegantly made tray would be happy with a heavy ceramic palette in it.
 
The box also has a working lock with a key. That said it is wise not to put too much trust in these old locks!
 
This is a beautiful and very unusual box and a delight to have around. It is als still as useful today as it ever was.