A simply perfect tool

Paintbrushes in general, and particularly the painting tools that are displayed on these pages, represent prototypes of our understanding of design: they captivate through redu- cing things to the basics, through the aesthetics of their function, their charm as an object and the natural reserve of their character. Yet despite being reduced to handle and bristles, every brush alludes to its use: regardless of whether it is a watercolour, varnish, texturing or flogger brush, it fulfils its intended function perfectly - which en- courages people to make use of it - which is also where the personal challenge lies. The tool itself is only a means to an end.