Blockx
Established in Belgium in 1865 by chemist Jacques Blockx I, Blockx have built a reputation for exceptional colourmaking, using pure, lightfast pigments to produce carefully made artists' colours.
Their Extra-Fine Oil Colour became the foundation of the range, while their Extra-Fine Watercolours, revived from historic family recipes, grew into a broad palette celebrated for its luminosity and rich colour. Today, both ranges continue to reflect the company's long-standing focus on pigment quality, colour intensity, and traditional manufacturing techniques. Discover the history of Blockx.
The Legacy of Blockx
Blockx, founded in 1865 in Belgium by Jacques Blockx I, holds a distinguished place in the history of fine art materials.
The brand emerged from a commitment to reviving the quality of traditional oil colours that were disappearing during the Industrial Revolution. As large workshops closed and industrial methods took over, artists lamented the loss of the beautiful, vibrant colours that once characterised their work.
Jacques Blockx I, a chemist passionate about colour and pigment, set out to meet this challenge. He began developing high quality oil paints in a small laboratory on his property, aiming to restore the brilliance of traditional artists’ colours. His dedication to using only the purest pigments, without additives, ensured that Blockx colours maintained their exceptional saturation, brightness, and depth.
Among the most famous artists who have used Blockx materials are René Magritte, Camille Pissarro, Paul Signac, James Ensor, and Fernand Khnopff.
Today, more than 140 years later, Blockx continues to be used by artists around the world. The brand’s commitment to quality remains unwavering, honouring the legacy of its founder by offering colours that embody the essence of artistic excellence.