Tools and Materials

The Whistler Estate contains a large collection of the artist’s equipment including brushes, palettes, pigments, printing equipment and drawing materials. They provide important information about Whistler’s working practice.

Whistler was very concerned about the quality of his equipment and materials, and had palettes, canvases, brushes and other items specially made for his requirements.

During his career Whistler used different kinds of paint. He painted with old fashioned pigments that were sold in bladders and later with modern synthetic pigments that were sold in collapsible metal tubes. The new paints contained additives such as wax, resin and honey to give them the right consistency.

Brushes were commonly made from camels' hair, hogs' hair, fitch and sable and were available with round or flat heads. Whistler used softer camels' hair and sable brushes for finer brushwork or small-scale paintings. In contrast, he used large house painters’ brushes when he wanted to cover the canvas quickly with a thin layer of paint. He bought the best brushes he could from Paris. Some of his brushes were made specially for him. These had long handles and soft hairs that absorbed his diluted paint well.

Whistler often varnished his paintings himself, using a broad soft brush. He was very concerned about the appearance of his works, wanting a subtle, enamelled surface. If the varnish became yellowed or matt over time, the painting was sent to be cleaned and revarnished by a painting restorer.