A rare and highly evocative vintage British artist’s personal paint kit, preserved as a complete working collection exactly as it would have been used in the early 20th century. This thoughtfully assembled set includes a folding bamboo and leather artist’s stool, a metal field paint box with contents, a wooden artist’s palette, a tabletop wooden easel, and a watercolor pan set, all showing honest signs of long-term use by a single artist.
Portable paint kits like this became essential as British artists increasingly worked outdoors, painting landscapes, harbors, and city scenes directly from life. The combination of lightweight materials, compact design, and durable construction allowed artists to travel easily while carrying everything needed for a day of painting.
The folding stool, with its leather seat and bamboo frame, is a classic artist’s and traveler’s design, valued for its portability and comfort. The metal paint box, likely dating to the early 1900s, opens to reveal divided compartments for paint tubes, brushes, and tools, along with a removable mixing palette bearing layers of historic pigment. The wooden palette shows rich buildup from repeated use, while the small tabletop easel completes the working setup.
Together, these pieces form a cohesive and deeply atmospheric collection that tells the story of one working artist’s practice. Ideal for collectors of artist tools, interior designers creating studio-inspired spaces, or anyone drawn to objects with real creative history.
Please note the watercolor artwork shown in photos is not included.
What’s Included
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Vintage folding bamboo and leather artist’s stool
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Metal artist’s field paint box with interior compartments and paint tubes
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Removable metal mixing palette
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Vintage watercolor pan set
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Wooden artist’s palette
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Wooden tabletop easel
Condition:
This collection is in antique condition with wear consistent with long-term artistic use. The folding stool shows age, surface wear, and patina to the bamboo frame and leather seat. The leather securing strap is partially missing and no longer fully secures the stool when folded. The paint box shows paint residue, surface wear, patina, and minor oxidation, with dried paint tubes included for display. The wooden palette has heavy paint buildup and surface wear. The easel shows scuffs, wear, and softened edges but remains stable. No restorations noted. All wear is consistent with age and use and contributes to the character of the set.
