Tunbridge Ware Paint Box 6225

A rare early Tunbridge Ware paint box veneered in sycamore with an oval print of Cupid riding on the back of a lion on a yellow ground. The interior is fitted with compartments for paints and brushes. The 18 paint compartments are labelled with paint colours, with many of the original paints still present. 

The original paints are stamped Thomas Reeves & Son, who traded under that name between 1784 & 1799. In 1790 Thomas Reeves became colour man to Queen Charlotte, something which is also stamped on the paints.

Beneath the paint tray there is a drawer with a silver- plated drop ring handle, containing two paint mixing trays.

 This box is attributed to John Robinson, who advertised as a Tunbridge Ware maker in both London and Tunbridge Wells. His detailed advertisements held in the Sprange Collection in Tunbridge Wells Museum tell us that his stock included paint boxes fitted with colours from Reeves. He also advertises supplying prints and medallions, mentioning Bartolozzi and other eminent artists. The print on the box lid may well have been an example from his stock.

Circa 1795-1800.

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number