A tiny artist's companion from the 1940s with a surprisingly rich history, complete with original paints, brush and instruction leaflet.

Used, stained and wonderfully authentic, a survivor from the golden age of portable watercolour painting

A charming vintage Winsor & Newton "Bijou" No. 2 miniature box of moist colours, complete with its original metal palette, surviving paint pans, brush, instruction leaflet and decorative paper-covered outer box.

Designed as a portable artist's companion, these compact paint sets were made for sketching and painting on the move. The patterned paper outer box, miniature proportions and original contents give this example wonderful character and appeal for artists, collectors and lovers of creative ephemera.

This set shows honest signs of use throughout. The paints have been used, the brush is present, and the box has age-related wear, staining and scuffing consistent with decades of creative life. The contents remain beautifully evocative of a working artist's toolkit.

Dimensions: approximately 9 cm x 5.5 cm

Origin: England

Maker: Winsor & Newton

Model: Bijou No. 2 Miniature Box of Moist Colours

Ideal for display in an artist's studio, curiosity cabinet, creative workspace, or as a gift for a painter, illustrator or collector of vintage art supplies.

A rare and characterful survivor from the history of British artists' materials.

Repurposing Ideas

Display in a studio vignette

Use as a photography prop

Add to an artist's collection

Include in a curiosity cabinet

Style with sketchbooks and antique art books