Roberson

C. Roberson & Co: Excellence in Artists’ Materials Since 1810

Founded in 1810 by Charles Roberson, Roberson have a rich history as one of Europe’s most important suppliers of artists’ materials.

Opening their first shop in Covent Garden, London, Roberson were positioned near the artistic heart of the city and the Royal Academy at Somerset House. Over the years, the company has maintained their commitment to quality and innovation, becoming a trusted name for generations of artists and craftspeople.

In its early years, Roberson prepared their own paints and mediums, guarding their unique recipes with the utmost secrecy. These bespoke products earned the company an esteemed clientele, including artists such as J.M.W. Turner, James Whistler, and John Singer Sargent, as well as influential designers like William Morris and Walter Crane. Even Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill counted among Roberson’s customers, further solidifying their status.

Roberson remained a family-run business until the 1970s, when they transitioned to new ownership. The company continued to develop, evolving into a trade-only supplier while preserving the traditions and craftsmanship that defined its early years. Many of the secret recipes and techniques that made Roberson famous are still in use today, ensuring continuity with their storied history.

Roberson’s product range includes mediums, solvents, grounds, varnishes, powders and chalks, liquid metal paints, gilding supplies, etching materials, tools for silverpoint, and much more. Roberson Liquid Metal Paints are popular for their bright metallic shades which do not tarnish or need to be varnished. Roberson also offers a variety of natural and synthetic pigments, allowing artists to create their own paints.

Now based in White City, West London, Roberson continues to supply art and craft retailers with high quality materials and equipment. Their astonishing archive of historical ledgers and customer records is housed at the Hamilton Kerr Institute in Cambridge, offering a unique window into the company’s history and their enduring influence on the art world.