I know to some these metal Watercolour boxes lack the grandeur or the intrinsic Beauty of fine wood found in those lovely watercolour boxes with lift up lids that conceal just about everything the artist will require. However what these boxes lack in fine wood they certainly make up for in sheer golden romance. 
Imagine the journeys this box has been on. Slipped into a coat pocket it probably travelled on those wonderful steam giants that puffed their way through the unspoilt English countryside or maybe the wind power ships that graced the waters with their billowing shining sails. However these boxes were to assist in a radical change in our painting choices.
 
This lovely box is represents an important step in the art of painting outdoors. There had been a growing interest is this area due to the wonderful works of John Cozens and the great John Constable in the 18th century and of course others. These artists opened the eyes and hearts of people to the wonderful world around them.
 
Such an interest was of course over due as were the changing attitudes to the countryside. Not very long before these times mountains were regarded as dangerous places fit for bandits and dangerous animals only and certainly not the kind of place to go walking. However by the early stirrings of the Romantic period there were people who were very open to the raw passions of the natural world and infact actually sought them out. 
This was was lead by the artists. 
 
It seems to me that the poets and painters did good work work in influencing each other and then the world at large.
As to whether or not it was a physical barrier the watercolours and oil paints were less easy to use than the materials we have today. I personally doubt it. I have used early watercolours and oil paint in bladders outdoors and it certainly isn’t impossible. And as an example of the time it didn’t seem to hold back Mr Constable or Mr cozens!
 
The earlier paints in watercolour were hard blocks of pigment bound in gum or sugar and had to be rubbed onto an abrasive and wet surface in order to persuade them to release their colour.
Well in 1837 the great Winsor and Newton made this very much easier with the launch of their watercolour paints in pans that contained glycerine. This made them truly moist to a point where they would release their colour just with the agitation of a wet brush.
 
This was I think a tipping point as now any hardship in making one’s colours work was gone. These pans sat very well in the little black boxes made of metal and they became very popular and they literally sold in their millions. Just imagine that in the 19th century!
By 1841 all these advances had reached the Queen. And in that year Winsor and Newton received their first royal warrant from Queen Victoria.
 
For very good reasons the company was quick to advertise this and started to include it on their box labels as is here.
Now all these metal boxes were not of the same quality and so why not get one of these Winsor Newton boxes that are built really well and are combined with their very important paints. Very many who could afford such a luxury did just that.
This box is one of those lovely things and has its complete set of Winsor Newton paints,of course in their ceramic pans.
Some of the paints are a little low but of course these can be topped up if required with tube paints if the box is to be used.
Externally the box looks very good with really good original paint.
Internally the box is also very good and has its original paint finish. Of course there is some staining and scratches etc from its great age. But it is in very good condition and better than most.
It is also of a good size with a good number of colours. The box works very well mechanically and opens and closes very well.
 
It is a lovely thing and steeped in history.
Approx 16 x 7 x 1.5 cm