About

Founded in 2017, The Arqivist is the creation of art historian and experienced antique dealer, Jessica.

Inspired by her time working at the Tenderpixel Gallery in Cecil Court, London, Jessica’s interest in artists’ materials developed from her interactions with professional and amateur artists alike.

After swapping the momentum of the big city for a quieter life in Canterbury, Kent, Jessica continued to explore her interest in art production and began sourcing art equipment and tools dating from the Victorian era to the early 1990s.

Initially selling at markets and fairs including Spitalfields and the Hackney Flea Market, Jessica reconnected with artists and seized on the opportunity to supply creatives around the world by opening an e-commerce store specialising in quality, hand-selected artists’ materials.

Since its creation, The Arqivist has built a reputation as a leading stockist of antique watercolour paint boxes, ceramic artist palettes, and traditional rich colour pigments, amongst other items.

The Arqivist’s unique selection of products has attracted a legion of dedicated artists, collectors and conservators who have formed a growing community rediscovering the wonder and joy of traditional and historic art materials.