A really interesting 19th century large mahogany Artist''s Box retaining many of its original contents and the old paper trade label. Inside the lid is a trade label from the Society of Encouragement of Art Manufacture and Commerce, which is now known as the Royal Society of Arts. It acknowledges G. Blackman''s contribution and invention of superfine oils in durable cakes which didn''t change in appearance when varnish, sold with the paints, was applied. The interior provides further detail, including G. Blackman''s residence on Oxford Street, near Soho Square, in London. This box has divided compartments for the twenty-four watercolour blocks. Above each block is a label which names the colours. On the back of most the paints are the words ''Blackman''s Superfine Watercolours Son in Law I G W Reeves''. Using ribbon tabs to lift up the tray reveals various tubes of watercolours from Windsor and Newton series 1 and some paper which is stored underneath. On a different lidded compartment sit four mixing palettes. Below is a folded piece of paper with the handwritten words, ''Prussian Blue 2 July 1869''. The paper contains a blue powder. There are various knife palettes, brushes, a brush rest, of differing ages etc. Another section holds a cut glass water bowl and two mahogany lidded compartments, one contains chalks and the other has unopened watercolour blocks from Windsor & Newton. Two brass locking pins lift out to release the drawer below with its original brass handle. Inside are six ceramic mixing palettes in circular slots and a further eight small circular palettes with paint on them. Measurements are approx History of George Blackman from the National Portrait Gallery (c.1764-c.1819 or later) was born in or about 1764. He gave his age as 23 in his marriage allegation in 1787, made before marrying Sarah Warner; she was the sister of Peter Warner, later a partner in Smith Warner & Co Peter Clifford. George ...