Review: Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks: The Henry Collection & The Metallic Tones

As an illustrator, I’m always on the lookout for materials that inspire creativity and bring something unique to my work. Ink, in particular, holds a special place in my process because it offers rich colour, fluidity, and a versatility that works across different styles. So, when I got my hands on Winsor & Newton’s Drawing Inks, specifically the Henry Collection and the additional Metallic Tones, I was eager to see how they performed and OMG what a burst of colour!.

My First Impressions

Winsor & Newton’s Drawing Inks are known for their vibrant hues and smooth application, and these two collections are no exception. Here’s what stood out right away:

• The Henry Collection includes a curated selection of deep, bold colours inspired by the legacy of Henry Winsor and I loved this curated selection of colours.

• The Metallic Tones promised a shimmering effect, perfect for highlights and special details.

• The bottles are classic and compact, making them both aesthetically pleasing and practical for studio use. I had to take mine out of there boxes because they just look so beautiful. Both sets come in iconic glass bottles with a vintage-style label, which adds a touch of charm to the experience. I had to take mine out of there boxes because they just look so beautiful.

Ok, but how do they perform? I hear you ask...

My thoughts on Pigment Performance

The Henry Collection: I think the colours in this set are rich, intense, and they really are highly pigmented. From the deep scarlet to the moody blue-black, the inks provide smooth coverage and a nice level of transparency when diluted with water. They’re quick-drying, which is great for layering but this can be a challenge to control if you are slow like me or if you like to blend directly on paper.

The Metallic Tones: These inks offer a beautiful shimmer that’s perfect for adding highlights or embellishments. The Silver and Gold are particularly striking, reflecting light in a way that adds dimension to illustrations. However, they require a good shake before use, as the metallic pigments tend to settle at the bottom of the bottle.

My thoughts on Mixing & Layering

I think that one of the biggest advantages of Winsor & Newton’s Drawing Inks is how well they layer. When applied in multiple passes, the colours build up beautifully without becoming muddy. I am a bit heavy handed when it comes to layers, and the Henry Collection colours can be watered down to help not to over saturate the colours. They also mix well together, though some darker shades can overpower the lighter tones if not handled carefully. I think the metallic tones are best used as final accents rather than layered, as too much layering can diminish their shine. They also sit slightly on the surface of the paper, which can lead to smudging if not given ample drying time.

My thoughts on Usability & Application

I think these inks work brilliantly with dip pens, brushes, and even airbrushes. Here’s what I found:

For linework: The Henry Collection performs well with glass dip pens. They offer smooth flow and crisp edges. The Metallic Tones, however, can clog finer nibs, so they’re better suited for broader strokes or brush application. I have a frew different glass pens and the spiral nibs performed the worse for metalic shades. t was still usable, but not as confortable to contraol as the round nibs were.

For washes: When diluted, the Henry Collection inks create gorgeous watercolour-like washes, though I found that they tended to dry quickly. This means you need to work fast and I am not fast so I struggled with this a bit to begin with. The Metallic Tones, on the other hand, don’t seem to dilute as seamlessly and are best used in their full strength for maximum impact.

On different papers: These inks behave differently depending on the paper used. On smooth hot-pressed watercolour paper, they glide effortlessly, while on textured cold-pressed paper, the Metallic tones can sometimes pool or dry unevenly.

Who Are These Inks For?

So, should you add the Winsor & Newton Henry Collection and Metallic Tones to your toolkit? Here’s my breakdown:

I think they are great for:

• Illustrators who love bold, vibrant inks for linework and washes.

• Artists who enjoy mixed media, especially when combining ink with watercolour or gouache.

• Anyone looking to add metallic highlights and details to their work.

  
  

I think they are probably not ideal for:

• Artists who prefer slow-drying inks for blending.

• Those looking for waterproof inks because these aren’t fully waterproof when dry, so they may reactivate slightly if layered with water-based media.

• Calligraphers using fine nibs, but the Metallic Tones can be tricky with delicate dip pens so if you have to use one, try to use a round tipped one.

  
  

My Final Thoughts:

Overall, I think that the Winsor & Newton’s Henry Collection and the additional metallic tones really do live up to the brand’s reputation for quality. The Henry Collection offers rich, expressive colours that perform beautifully for both detailed illustrations and loose washes. Meanwhile, the metallic tones bring a stunning shimmer that’s perfect for finishing touches.

Would I use them for every project? Absolutely not. But for inking illustrations, adding dramatic accents, and experimenting with mixed media, these inks are a fantastic addition to my creative toolkit.

Have You Tried These Inks?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the Winsor and Newton drawing inks. Have you experimented with the Henry Collection, the metallic tones or any of the other colours they have available? How do they compare to your favourite inks? Drop a comment below or tag me in your creations because I'd love to see how other artists use these materials in their own unique way!

NOTE: This is not a paid review and all opinions are my own.