Box of 24 coloured pencils

A box of 24 coloured pencils in a flat metal tin, with each pencil in its own slot. Twenty-four shades, from greys and browns to pinks, by way of four greens and four blues. For children who draw in earnest and adults who colour in the evening.

The pencils are by Printworks, with a soft 4 mm lead: a thick lead that lays down colour well and sharpens without breaking. The metal tin measures 125 x 190 mm and is 9 mm thick. It protects the leads in a school bag or a drawer.

A soft lead crushes easily: sharpen with a well-honed sharpener, without forcing, and avoid dropping the pencil, or the lead breaks inside the wood. The metal tin closes properly and serves as storage for years to come.