Winsor & Newton and the Story of the Kolinsky Brush
Some tools have a quiet reputation. They don’t shout their importance, yet generations of artists have reached for them when precision matters most. Among these is the Winsor & Newton Series 7 — a simple black-handled brush with a fine point and a history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. To understand its legacy is to trace a line through royal commissions, careful craftsmanship, and the pursuit of control in watercolor painting.
From a Small London Shop to Royal Attention
Winsor & Newton began in 1832, supplying artists with new pigments and reliable materials at a time when professional art was flourishing across Europe. In 1866, Queen Victoria requested a set of exceptionally fine watercolor brushes for her own use, specifying her preferred size — the now-famous “No. 7.”
This royal request led the company to create a brush that met an unusually high standard. The Series 7 line was born from that moment, combining natural Kolinsky hair with hand-built precision. Over time, it became a favorite of professional watercolorists, illustrators, and miniaturists worldwide.
What Makes a Kolinsky Brush Special
Kolinsky isn’t a brand name but a type of natural hair. It comes from the tail of a Siberian weasel, collected during the coldest months of winter when the hairs are at their peak quality. These hairs have a rare combination of strength and flexibility, allowing them to form a fine point that snaps back after each stroke.
The shape of a Kolinsky brush features a full “belly” that holds a generous amount of paint or water, tapering to a needle-like tip. This design gives artists both fluid washes and delicate lines without constant reloading. It’s a simple concept, but it has been difficult for synthetic fibers to match completely, even with modern technology.
How the Series 7 is Made
Every Series 7 brush is assembled by hand, with artisans sorting and arranging the hairs individually. The goal is a perfectly aligned tip and a smooth flow of paint. The handle is traditionally shaped and balanced for control, and the nickel ferrule — the metal ring that holds the hair in place — is seamless and carefully fitted.
The result is a brush designed to do three things well: hold plenty of color, release it evenly, and return to a perfect point stroke after stroke.
Historical Notes and Curiosities
Royal Beginnings: The Series 7’s association with Queen Victoria gave it early prestige and helped establish Winsor & Newton as a trusted name among professional painters.
A Misleading Name: The term “Kolinsky sable” persists, though the animal is not actually a sable. The name stuck simply because the hair behaves like fine sable fur in painting.
Trade Challenges: Because the hair comes from wildlife in limited regions, there have been times when international regulations temporarily restricted its trade. This has added to the brush’s mystique and scarcity.
