Watercolour set "White Nights" Leningrad, cardboard box

The "Leningrad" watercolour set has a rich and long history closely tied to the Soviet and Russian art school. These paints were developed and produced at "Nevskaya Palitra", famous St Petersburg factory that was founded in 1899 and that has long been the main producer of professional art supplies in the USSR and Russia..

1. Beginning of History and Creation of the Brand After the establishment of the "Nevskaya Palitra" factory, the production of watercolour paints became an important part of its activities. The "Leningrad" watercolour set was created in the post-war years, during the country's reconstruction, when there was an increased need for high-quality art materials for both professional artists and students of art schools and academies.

The name "Leningrad" was chosen in honor of the city where the factory was located, which at that time was named Leningrad. The city was famous for its cultural and artistic traditions, which also became a symbol of high quality and skill realised in the products of "Nevskaya Palitra."

2. Development and Popularity of the Set From the moment of its release, the "Leningrad" watercolour set became a standard for many generations of artists. Thanks to the use of high-quality pigments and traditional recipes, the paints were highly lightfast and had rich colours , making them ideal for professional watercolour painting.

In Soviet times, the "Leningrad" set became one of the most popular artistic products among Soviet artists. It was used both in educational institutions and for creating works in various genres—from realistic landscapes to abstract compositions.

3. Features of the Set The main feature of the "Leningrad" watercolours was their rich and soft palette, suitable for both bright and subtle transitions in painting. The watercolours were produced in pans, which were convenient for use in studios and on plein air.

The set included a wide range of shades, many of which were based on natural pigments. In particular, pigments such as cadmiums, cobalts, and ochres were used to give the artists' works vibrancy and longevity.

4. Modern times and Heritage After the USSR collapse, the "Leningrad" watercolours continued to be produced under the same name at the "Nevskaya Palitra" factory, which successfully maintained its reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality art materials. In the 1990s, the set underwent some changes, and gradually other ranges of watercolours, such as "White Nights," became more famous in modern Russia and abroad.

However, even today, the "Leningrad" set remains an iconic product. It is associated with the traditions of the Soviet and Russian art school, and many artists still prefer to work with these paints, appreciating them for their time-tested quality and unique colour properties.

Thus, the "Leningrad" watercolour paint set has become an integral part of the Russia's artistic culture, continuing to be a symbol of high skill and tradition in the world of watercolour painting.