Brushes as tools have probably existed since the times of prehistoric painting. Egyptians certainly used palm fibres as brushes, whilst bristle and soft hair brushes are referenced in Greek times.
Not content to excel only in pigment and colour production, it was not long before Winsor & Newton began to make artists’ brushes. The most famous are our unrivalled Series 7 kolinsky sable water colour brushes. These are based on brushes made by command of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, which used ebony handles and solid silver ferrules, in her favourite size, number 7.
The use of polyester fibres was pioneered in the 20th century by Winsor & Newton. The first blend of sable and synthetic hair, the Sceptre brush range was introduced in 1982.
A display case created for the 1951 British Industries Fair. The display celebrates 100 years of brush making at Winsor & Newton. Showing examples of fine sable brushes it includes a quill brush made for the 1851 Exhibition and a brush from circa 1860 as well as the current brush samples of the day from 1951.