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- PHOTO
ENLARGED FOR DETAIL
- It is not often
that unused paint from around the 1700's is found.
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- William Reeves
& Inwood
- Artists watercolor
paint box
- from around 1796-
to 1812
- William
& brother Thomas Reeves invented the re wettable watercolor
block or cake as it is known.
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- This
portable paint revolutionized out door painting and brought about
more expressive works that lead to paintings like Turners and
later impressionism.
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- They
were recognized how important it was at the time as the transcription
of their award in this box shows.
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- William
Reeves took on Inwood as a partner around 1796 at the 299 Strand-
London address.
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- The
colors are original to the box and are in their proper large
watercolor block slots!
- Lake,
Prussian Blue, Gumboge, Vermilion, Blistre, and Burnt Umber.
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- These
ancient partly used paint blocks have patina from over 200 years
of age.
- Note
early early spelling of these colors and the late 1700 English
on the label.
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- The
box comes with an early quill brush worn from use and a metal
drawing pen point.
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- The
box has a sliding lid that fits securely.Size is approximately
8 1/2 Long x 2 3/4 wide x 3/4 inch high
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- The Award
Label inside:
- In April
1781 William and Thomas Reeves Were recognized by the Society
for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce for
the invention of the watercolor paint block.
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- The original
award letter dated May 17 1781 was transcribed as a mark of quality
and distinction,and placed in their boxes.
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- The label
lists Reeves & In wood at the early 299 the Strand - London
address & It
is used as their trade card in the box.
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- There
are some scratches and a few paint stains here and there inside
and out;
- all
lending authentic character to this over 200 year old antique.
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