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Other Stuff => General Wargames and Hobby Discussion => Topic started by: Captain Blood on March 19, 2016, 12:22:33 PM

Title: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Captain Blood on March 19, 2016, 12:22:33 PM
Partly because they are the best brushes.
Partly because they are half the price of other manufacturers' brushes of a similar quality.

But also because their customer service is just stunningly good.

Was doing a bit of painting yesterday afternoon (it's the LPL, you know) when I realised I had run out of brushes in a couple of required sizes.
I went onto Rosemary and co's website and placed an order for several brushes.
This was at 3pm yesterday afternoon.
Rosemary and co are in West Yorkshire.
I live 200 miles away, south of London.

The brushes (impeccably packaged, as usual) arrived with the postman at 10am this morning.

:o

That is just incredible, isn't it?

I mean, nobody - nobody, not Amazon Prime next-day, John Lewis or anyone else - manages that do they?

Brilliant.

Just saying.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Mason on March 19, 2016, 12:40:25 PM
Gotta agree.
My latest order turned up the next day as well.

If I only put them to use as quickly...... ::)

Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Phil Robinson on March 19, 2016, 12:57:08 PM
Yup, outstanding.

Great quality and service.

Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Golgotha on March 19, 2016, 01:05:19 PM
Any specific suggestions on which brushes would be well suited to mini painting - I tried searching by size with little luck and which hairs do most consider best?
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: stone-cold-lead on March 19, 2016, 01:08:20 PM
They do offer a very good service and a pretty good product too.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Captain Blood on March 19, 2016, 02:00:57 PM
Any specific suggestions on which brushes would be well suited to mini painting - I tried searching by size with little luck and which hairs do most consider best?

Kolinsky sable series 33 pointed brushes sizes 1, 0, 00, 000 and (yes, really) 10/0  :)
Well, that's my painting armoury anyway...
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Golgotha on March 19, 2016, 02:18:36 PM
Thank you I will definitely be getting some and a 10/0 just for the hell of it and may be good for eyeball pupils.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: grant on March 19, 2016, 02:56:07 PM
I added a couple of Rosemary brushes to my collection, and did three massive 6mm commissions with a 1 and a 0 brush, and was super impressed with them. I have Winsor & Newton mostly, and I like vintage red handled GW brushes for rough work like washes and applying textured stuff.

The Rosemary brushes I don't recall being a bargain compared to the W&N here in Canada, but they are good brushes nonetheless. I doubt they could overnight to me anyway  lol
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: westwaller on March 19, 2016, 04:02:09 PM
Yeah, they are good brushes. Series 33 for me too. The 0/10 and the 000 are the Rosemary & Co brushes i use most.

The 0/10 is not as ridiculously small as it sounds  :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Conquistador on March 19, 2016, 04:38:21 PM
Before I go and look, is that a UK source or are there USA sources for those brushes too?

We won't go into what I currently have/ use...
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Hammers on March 19, 2016, 06:47:49 PM
Well it is soon time for a restock so thos time I'll remember to try the other brNd.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: stone-cold-lead on March 19, 2016, 06:58:47 PM
Yeah, they are good brushes. Series 33 for me too. The 0/10 and the 000 are the Rosemary & Co brushes i use most.

The 0/10 is not as ridiculously small as it sounds  :)

Yeah, I find most of their series 33 brushes to be a bit bigger than other brands and in the case of the 10/0 it's bigger than a 5/0 I have from elsewhere.

My 10/0 gets used mostly for eyes and tiny facial details.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Old-N-Busted on March 20, 2016, 10:38:09 AM
Yes its a big thumbs up from me, series 33 in 0 3/0 and 10/0 very nice brushes and first class service.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Dolmot on March 20, 2016, 11:14:28 AM
You can usually find a mix of Ser 401 (red sable / synthetic blend) and that Ser 33 (pure Kolinsky sable) on my table. The former are 1, 0 and 2/0, good for different stages of basecoating. They're cheap and more forgiving of rough handling, including metallic/alcohol-based paints and drybrush-like techniques. Ser 33 3/0 is the tool of choice for eyes and other detail, but I also have the larger sizes for occasional use when they feel better than 401.

Meanwhile, I added a few new test pieces to my latest order, including Ser 323 (Kolinsky, similar to 33 but "spotter" shape) and a few rigger-style brushes (Ser 44 and ivory). Riggers have notably long bristles and I'd assume they're not for everyone, but one of my previous all time favourites was a long-bristled synthetic so I decided to give these a try. This pack is still unopened but if you give me a few days or a week, I'll put them directly through an LPL test run. :)

And yes, the service is spot on.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: westwaller on March 20, 2016, 11:16:23 AM
Quote
Before I go and look, is that a UK source or are there USA sources for those brushes too?

Conquistador, Rosemary & Co are a small Uk based brush manufacturer, I don't know if there are any stockists of their brushes overseas, I think that they only sell direct (I don't know)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Conquistador on March 20, 2016, 01:01:25 PM
Conquistador, Rosemary & Co are a small Uk based brush manufacturer, I don't know if there are any stockists of their brushes overseas, I think that they only sell direct (I don't know)


Thanks.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: grant on March 20, 2016, 01:45:29 PM
Conquistador, Rosemary & Co are a small Uk based brush manufacturer, I don't know if there are any stockists of their brushes overseas, I think that they only sell direct (I don't know)


I earlier said I bought some - at an art shop here in Calgary - so they definitely DO sell through other places.

If I can get them in Calgary, I'm sure Conq. can find them in the US.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Billchuck on March 20, 2016, 02:42:22 PM
Meanwhile, I added a few new test pieces to my latest order, including Ser 323 (Kolinsky, similar to 33 but "spotter" shape) and a few rigger-style brushes (Ser 44 and ivory). Riggers have notably long bristles and I'd assume they're not for everyone, but one of my previous all time favourites was a long-bristled synthetic so I decided to give these a try. This pack is still unopened but if you give me a few days or a week, I'll put them directly through an LPL test run. :)
I've been looking at those riggers as well. Some of my current brushes are painfully worn out (after years of use).  This thread got me off my butt and I'm reordering now. :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: westwaller on March 20, 2016, 04:10:00 PM
Cheers for that info Grant :) Looks like they probably are available over the pond then....
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: El Grego on March 20, 2016, 06:34:06 PM
Before I go and look, is that a UK source or are there USA sources for those brushes too?


Folks in the USA might try this:

http://www.claudiawilliams.com/rosemary--co-brushes.html (http://www.claudiawilliams.com/rosemary--co-brushes.html)


Greg
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Conquistador on March 21, 2016, 12:27:47 AM

Folks in the USA might try this:

http://www.claudiawilliams.com/rosemary--co-brushes.html (http://www.claudiawilliams.com/rosemary--co-brushes.html)


Greg

I keep being amazed at LAF resources... The people...
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Daeothar on March 21, 2016, 02:33:44 PM
I almost exclusively use W&N brushes, both series 5 and 7, but this thread has me curious about the Rosemary products.

Even though I (usually ::) ) take very good care of my brushes (my set of series 7 are from the GW deluxe paintbox set, which I won in a painting contest back in 2006; they're still in great to perfect shape all), my fine(st) detail brush is about due for replacement. It's a 0000 sized W&N series 5.

Which Rosemary brush would be (about) the same size? I prefer shorter brushes btw...
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Captain Blood on March 21, 2016, 02:51:19 PM
Not sure. It's been a long time since I used W&N 7 series.
All I can say is that for the most part I use the 10/0 for just about everything apart from large areas, where I used a 0 or a 1. I do get through quite a lot of them, but that's because I abuse them horribly, not because they're poorly made brushes...  :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: stone-cold-lead on March 21, 2016, 02:56:06 PM
I do get through quite a lot of them, but that's because I abuse them horribly, not because they're poorly made brushes...  :)

Same here! The holy grail of brushes for me would be one that lasts more than a month. As it is I probably spend far more than I'd like to think on brushes.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: zemjw on March 21, 2016, 05:04:46 PM
I have a number of the series 22 and 33 brushes. The 22s are meant to taper to a sharper point, but there's very little in it.

One thing to be aware of, if you're offered handle sizes, choose the small handle, unless you like working a foot or so from your minis  :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Lowtardog on March 21, 2016, 05:12:05 PM
Thanks for the link, been using cheapo brushes and struggle with them quality wise may need to splash out and give them a try
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Marine0846 on March 21, 2016, 07:33:15 PM
A timely post about brushes.
Just went to the store that El Grego posted that is in the US.
Thanks for the link.
Ordered 5 brushes for $32.00 including postage.
Brush sizes, O, OO, OOO, 1, 2.
I think that is a pretty good deal.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: fastolfrus on March 21, 2016, 09:49:30 PM
You could always email Rosemary and as her advice.
She's a nice lady and although her brushes were originally intended for artists, her brother paints (or used to paint) miniatures so she knows what you're up to.
She also advised us of a handy tip to help your brushes live a bit longer, once a month or so, after you clean your brush, draw the bristles through a little bit of hair conditioner and then give a good rinse. As she said to us - if you think about it, if you stuck your head in chemicals you'd need to condition your hair afterwards.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: The Mystic Spiral on March 22, 2016, 11:04:58 AM
Another fan of Rosemary here.

Currently had a size 0 series 33 on the go for about 6 weeks. Painted about 50 figures with it. Even does the eyes really well. The French in Egypt I did for The Perrys were all done with it.

Assuming imminent destruction of the 0 cos I am hard on them, but they come in less than half the price of W&N series7 and last at least as long so I don't worry about using them up.

J
PS. The really cheap nylon ones are great for just sloshing paint on and if you clip the end flat on the size 0s they are great fine detail drybrushers.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: supervike on March 22, 2016, 12:13:03 PM
I was just shopping around for brushes, I guess I best go with the crowd.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Orctrader on March 22, 2016, 07:52:52 PM
I use Rosemary brushes.  All of my LPL entries are painted using brushes from their "33" range.   :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: supervike on March 22, 2016, 08:06:17 PM
Well, the US distributor was sold out of the standard size brush, so I ordered directly from Rosemary.

Five Series 33 brushes of various sizes, shipped to me in the Cornfields of Iowa for a mere 35 bucks.  That's only 7 dollars per, even with shipping from England.

Can't wait to try them out.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: supervike on March 29, 2016, 11:06:44 PM
Wow, my brushes showed up in the post today.

That's lightning quick coming from the UK.

Not sure why I would ever bother with a US distributor.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Captain Blood on March 29, 2016, 11:55:51 PM
Great. I told you they were efficient! Hope the brushes prove good for you  :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Charlie_ on March 30, 2016, 12:22:48 AM
How do they compare to the W&N Series 7 in terms of brush shape and length?


Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Captain Blood on March 30, 2016, 08:02:00 AM
How do they compare to the W&N Series 7 in terms of brush shape and length?




Series 33 is very similar. Marginally shorter handles IIRC (it's a long time since I had any W&N S7). But half the price  :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Eric the Shed on March 30, 2016, 08:11:54 AM
Do you have a link for the website please?
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Belisarius on March 30, 2016, 08:16:54 AM
I Bought 3 X Rosemary brushes for the first time last year and have been very pleased with them , I concur and confirm all the good things said about them here . I also bought a plastic tub of soap to wash the brushes with, from Amazon, and heartily recommend both , I would,nt be without either.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: zemjw on March 30, 2016, 09:05:33 AM
Do you have a link for the website please?

series 33 - link (http://www.rosemaryandco.com/watercolour-brushes/pure-kolinsky-sable/pure-kolinsky-pointed)

series 22 - link (http://www.rosemaryandco.com/watercolour-brushes/pure-kolinsky-sable/pure-kolinsky-designer)

Remember to get the short handles
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Blue in vt on March 30, 2016, 03:34:03 PM
If you want to talk about cost effective Check out their Series 401 Sable/synthetic blends...They run $2-4 each and are 90% as good as the pure sable ones.  I use a #2 401 series for all my base coating and preliminary work on figures then move unto my Series 33 Sable brush for the details and fine work.  I would highly recommend you give these a try as well...for the price its a no brainer.

http://www.rosemaryandco.com/acrylic-brushes/red-sable-blend-acrylic/pointed-sable-mixture

Cheers,

Blue
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: grant on March 30, 2016, 09:40:14 PM
Wow, my brushes showed up in the post today.

That's lightning quick coming from the UK.

Not sure why I would ever bother with a US distributor.

That's good to know - my 0 brush had an unfortunate superglue accident and I will need to replace it.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: The Mystic Spiral on March 31, 2016, 12:06:29 PM
Ordered 3 Series 33 size 0, yesterday afternoon. Just arrived!

Rosemary rule!

J
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: JollyBob on April 01, 2016, 01:44:41 PM
Since there was a bandwagon going...  ::)

Made a wee order myself this morning, and I must say, their webstore has got to be the most user friendly ever! No messing about, very clear and simple and a quick streamlined process.

Very impressed so far.  :)
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Chico on April 02, 2016, 05:21:33 PM
Been using them for years and order every 3/4 months (I'm terrible looking after brushes, I just abuse them so hehe).

Other then they putting up there prices (Once) and min order amount I never had anything to complaint about from them.

The 401 series are my personal favourite.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Elbows on April 02, 2016, 08:50:31 PM
Looks like I'll have to try these folks out sometime soon.  I've been needing to re-up my brushes...been destroying them by painting so much lately.
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: throwsFireball on April 03, 2016, 10:14:29 PM
My brushes are wrecked (considering they were cheap junk and I've been using them for awhile I'm not shocked). Anyone got recommendations on what to get?

I'm looking at the Workbench Warrior and it seems to cover almost everything. Would that be great in you guy's opinion?
Title: Re: Why I love Rosemary (and co)
Post by: Dilettante Gamer on April 04, 2016, 05:02:25 AM
Totally stumbled into this thread and just ordered Captain Blood's "arsenal".

I'm just coming back to painting after a long hiatus and have been exasperated with the condition/quality of my brushes.

Looking forward to these!