05 June, 2013

THE LITTLE BRASS BOX COMPANY

James Fletcher-Watson Studio Palette

This is my most prized possession - my JFW Studio Palette. It's a handmade (in the UK) solid brass paintbox by John Hurtley of Macclesfield - otherwise known as The Little Brass Box Company.

I'm quite proud to say that mine was the very first JFW palette that John made and it is numbered "039". Every part of the palette is made using hand tools in the tiny workshop at John's home. Below are some photos of the box during its construction and in its final form.

 

 




 
And here it is with the paint added...
 
 
The centre tray inbetween the two rows of paints is removable and I've asked John if it's possible to have a spare "insert-tray" made which will accommodate brushes for use plein air. Here's the drawing I sent to him...
 

 

3 comments:

Michael said...

You have no idea how jealous that paintbox makes me feel. It's absolutely gorgeous, as is all this man's work. Congratulations on a lovely set, and good luck with the painting.

Tom McQuiggan said...

Thanks Michael. It is indeed a lovely paintbox and it's virtually all I ever use these days. I recently bought a Craig Young paintbox but it doesn't compare to the LBBC one as far as I'm concerned (although it is gorgeous in its own right). Thanks for visiting the blog :-)

jean-Hervé Dussordet said...

Hello Michael

What a superb paintbox! Can you tell me what is the enamel colour reference of your paintbox, it is so nice I am going to order one soon.

Many thanks from France

Jean-Hervé DUSSORDET
jhdussordet@orange.fr

Our Own Art-Club!

Each Friday we go to the local Art-Club in Horwich. It's a thriving club with a broad range of people of all ages and skill-levels. Apart from the regular painting sessions, we have many professional artists visiting us to demonstrate their skills and to run workshops.

But sometimes, it's nice when just a few friends get together mid-week too, and so here we are in Simon's "studio", benefitting from the skill and experience of his father, Brian Waddington. It looks a bit cramped in there, but we were just huddled together to fit in the photo frame :-)



And you can drink beer in this club! :-)