Someone recently said that they hadn’t seen many items by George Rowney in my listings and I thought to myself you’re right! So I have here listed two beautiful boxes by these great makers. 
 
It’s fair to consider Rowney as one of the original suppliers in London they did of course commence trading in the 18th century. 
And from there earliest days they produced extremely good quality items that were as beautiful as they were functional and as long lasting as they were functional. 
Beauty combined with functionality and durability always is desirable and these boxes were and are. 
 
This particular box was made during the 1890s. 
I say this as in my many years of collecting and as my work as a museum’s conservator I have seen dated items similar to this one. 
 
I think this box must have been made for someone a bit special or maybe for an occasion as the wood used for the top is sumptuous. Just look at that fiddle back grain!
You will notice I’m sure that the beautiful Ebony strips around the top are in great original condition also. 
 
On lifting the lid we see the beautiful label that proudly proclaims the makers. 
We can also see that this box is fitted with a full set of ceramic pans. 
Paints in pans were always more expensive than the usual blocks of paints because of the expense in making them and because they were and are better than blocks. They were first used in the 1840s and for the first time artists could have genuinely moist Watercolour’s. Within the protection offered by the pans they could be softer. 
 
Today of course we only use pans but these ceramic pans are better than our plastic ones in that they can be used and refilled for as long as possible. They are sensitive to being dropped as all porcelain is but they are pretty much indestructible. 
 
This box also has underneath the paint tray a brush tray also. These are nearly always missing. 
 
The original lock worked well during the writing of this with a key provided. That said it is wise not to put too much trust in these old locks. 
 
It’s a nice size for a watercolour box and can easily be fitted into a bag or large pocket for those trips out. 
 
Overall it is a stunning box and in great condition. If looked after it will last just about forever!
 
Approx,
23 cm
11 cm
4.5cm