Description: This is a beautiful and most unusual watercolor box dating from around 1830, right after the Reeves shop moved from Holborn Bridge to 150 Cheapside in London. Most of the watercolor blocks in the box are stamped “removed from 80 Holborn Bridge”. In addition the box holds an early Reeves & Sons catalogue with the same message on it, and the paper it’s printed on watermarked ‘1830’. The box holds 24 colors, most appear original to the box. Some have been used and some unused. In addition to the watercolor blocks is the original water glass, stone mixing palette, small palette used to paint portraits, 3 quill paint brushes, 1 pencil or charcoal holder, brush rest and 8 ceramic mixing bowels. The box is made of rosewood inlaid with fine scrolling brass boulle work. The original owner of the box was, I believe, Louisa Thomas whose name is etched into the brass on the lid. A book, that will accompany the box, titled “The Journal Of A Victorian Lady Louisa Thomas Of Hollingbourne”. This book is a compilation of the journals Louisa kept during her life. Although there is nothing definitive tying Louisa to this box, the evidence and the time line of her life is just too coincidental for it not to be one of her watercolor boxes. Because of the date of the Reeves watercolor box and catalogue, and the dates of Louisas’ life, 1810-1911, the box would probably be one of her first watercolor boxes, when she was in her early twenty’s. The book does say “Louisa always loved art. She was a good amateur artist who was asked to do portraits for friends, and above all she loved to go look at great paintings. Whilst in Brighton she got to know the Irish artist Williams Mulready who gave her some tips on her technique”. Overall the box is in very good condition, especially considering it is approaching 200 years of age. There is one small area on the very front of the lid that has had some work done to it. Exactly what happened is not known but it was damaged and professionally repaired. Please see pictures. The lid closes securely and the key works in the lock. The box measures 12” x 8 1/2” x 3 1/4”.
Price: 2300 USD
Location: Mableton, Georgia
End Time: 2024-12-02T19:40:30.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Style: Antique
