About Us
Since 1832 we’ve been built on a blend of art and science. Our materials are developed by a team of modern ‘colourmen’ with a background in chemistry, who manufacture quality colours and materials. Artists make up our staff throughout the business. Over the years, this artist-fronted approach has led to exciting developments in colours and materials, transforming the ways people make art.
Where it all began
In 1832 at 38 Rathbone Place was when the scientist William Winsor and the artist Henry Newton set out to supply the best possible materials to artists. When they teamed up with great masters such as JMW Turner, they received the insights and professional know-how to establish Winsor & Newton. Since then, we’ve continued teaming up with leading artists and institutions around the globe to develop and supply the best materials to artists..
Our Journey
- 1832: Winsor & Newton is founded
- 1835: The world's first moist watercolours
- 1840: Glass syringes are introduced as paint containers
- 1841: Winsor & Newton are granted their first Royal Warrant
- 1842: The collapsible screw cap tube is patented
- 1854: Outstanding colourman George Field dies
- 1866: The Series 7 brush is created for Queen Victoria
- 1881: Winsor & Newton Limited Company is formed
- 1892: The Composition & Permanence of Artists' Colours is first published
- 1937: Winsor & Newton introduce Designer' Gouache
- 1937-1938: Colour manufacture opens at Harrow, London
- 1946: Brush making factory opens
- 1970: The launch of Artists' Acrylic paint
- 1973: Drawing Inks receive D.A.D.A award for packaging
- 1976: The launch of the world's first Artists' Alkyd Oil Colour
- 1998: The launch of Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour
- 2012: A precious ink is created to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee
- 2015-2020: Promarkers are added to the Winsor & Newton portfolio
- 2018: Studio Collection and Fineliners are added to the Winsor & Newton portfolio
- 2019: Cadmium-Free watercolour & Designer's Gouache are introduced
Royal Warrant
Back in 1841, we received our first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. Thanks to our innovative products and fine craftmanship over the years, we’ve been honoured with a Royal Warrant ever since.
Today, we take great pride in being the chosen suppliers of the finest art materials to His Majesty King Charles’ household, and to display the King’s coat of arms.
In line with King Charles’ commitment to sustainability and the planet, we have met a code of good environmental practice. This means we are dedicated to making sure that our materials, manufacturing processes and the way we connect with artists minimises our ecological impact.
For more information
about Royal Warrants, visit: www.royalwarrant.org.
Change isn’t easy
As a company that produces high-quality paints, materials and tools, being sustainable isn’t easy. But we have a responsibility to act. In fact, our customers expect us to. So, we’re not only committed to finding ways to become more sustainable in our own operations, but also to helping artists to make the right choices too. This means applying our expertise to resolve the challenges around climate change and packaging waste and developing products that are safe to use in the studio, workspace or at home – without compromising on performance. And it means supporting artists in the community and making art accessible to everyone.
Find out below what we’ve been doing to encourage change