Using over 170 years of colour making experience, Winsor & Newton have developed a range of Artists' Soft Pastels, maintaining our commitment to supplying artists with the highest quality materials to suit every need. Extensive research among artists around the world confirmed the characteristics required of a pastel to meet the artist's needs. Maximum brilliance of colour is one of the most important criteria; this has been achieved by use of the purest highest grade pigments, high pigment strength and, wherever possible, the use of single pigments. By choosing the right binder for each and every colour we have ensured Artists' Soft Pastels maintain a soft working characteristic and uniform texture which allows for the subtlest layering and blending. Dustiness of the pastel is minimised, making them easier and more manageable to work with. Finally Artists' Soft Pastels have been formulated to provide an unrivalled level of permanence, 191 colours have a rating of AA or A. The range offers a systematic and wide spread of 200 individual colour positions. The colour range has been developed from 40 full strength colours (Tint 4). Each full strength colour is available in 3 lighter Tints (Tints 1, 2 and 3) and one darker shade (Tint 5).