I’m going to share more about packing and moving soon, but let’s just take a minute to admire some antique art supplies. Specifically some amazing Georgian paintbrushes.
Between getting a house ready to sell, traveling, packing, and being sick, I haven’t had anywhere near as much time in my studio, playing with all of my favorite little things. While I won’t be in my studio, I do hope to take a lot of gear with me so that I can paint and create while we are nomads for the summer. We’ll knock around, stay with family and go to Airbnbs while we’re waiting to see where we land. It’ll be hard for me not to have a home to care for, but I do see potential in the extra creative time I might have. I plan to take advantage of it.
So, let’s talk about these beauties. When texted me and asked if I’d be interested in some Georgian-era handmade paintbrushes, of course, I said yes. I mean, I am a brush-lover and collector of old things, so this appealed to me right away. She sent along pictures of the Georgian paintbrushes and I told her to add them to my next box. Since Julia is shipping me goodies from the UK, we wait to fill a decent-sized box and then ship everything other together to save on shipping costs, Then, it’s also like Christmas every couple of months!
These brushes are made from sable with either quill or wood handles. The bristles are wrapped in place with twine, fine wire, or a metal ferrule in some cases. We believe this set of Georgian paintbrushes was used for painting signs since there are several very long and thin liner brushes.
But, oh, aren’t they just so beautiful? If you’re a fellow brush person, then you understand!
The box, which is also fabulous and the Georgian paintbrushes were box very oily. I’m guessing perhaps they weren’t thoroughly washed the last time they were used or they were left oily intentionally to keep the brushes hydrated. Either way, they felt sticky and greasy and I couldn’t wait to give them a good washing. I was a little nervous at the prospect as I imagined these handmade brushes falling apart in the sink, but they are well made and washed up beautifully. (You can read THIS post on how I clean and repair paintbrushes.)
Eventhough cleaning these was a bit of a gamble, it paid off. I want to use things, even antique things, so I have to be able to wash them. I haven’t had a chance to break them out yet today, but I might steal away a little time between packing and pricing to play with them.
PS – I love that the metal box holding these Georgian paintbrushes has paint splatters on the outside and is the most delightful shade of green on the inside.
I love, love the box!!! More than the brushes. If you ever decide to keep just the brushes and sell the box, let me know.
Old art supplies are my weakness. I wish I could just touch all your antique artist stash! Ok…maybe use a few to experiment! Have fun on your artistic ventures during this move!!
Those brushes are to swoon over! Thanks for sharing pics of them. You’re very fortunate to have someone finding such treasures for you! Have a fun and safe nomad summer!
Beautiful…. And I find I want to see more of the painting too.
Enjoy your summer adventure and the process of finding your new surroundings/town/home. We did the same thing 17years ago and landed in Charleston SC. We love it and never looked back at MN again.
When I first saw the box my heart skipped a beat. I thought maybe you were selling it!!! I LOVE old art and sewing supplies. I love that with a million things to do, you are going to stop for a bit and paint!!!
You are a true artist.
How I would love to see a painting that was created by the artist using these brushes! You will give them a new life, Marion! I’m curious about one brush. In the second picture, it is the brush, with the extra long bristles, that is to the right of the box. What do you it was used for?
So lovely!
If only those brushes could speak and tell their story! I love their beauty, so glad that they cleaned up well for you.
Are you moving? I must have missed that column?
Thanks for sharing! Your perspective about your art is giving me perspective as I will also be homeless this summer.