I wanted to give an update for stuff. I had reached out to the Van Gogh museum during the summer because I didn't have confidence in not only my own research but also what Serang had used. This is what I finally got this morning.
Dear Mr Jones,
For Van Gogh’s use of various tools please consult the publications: Marije Vellekoop, e.a. (eds.), Van Gogh’s Studio Practice, Amsterdam, Brussels, New Haven & London 2013, and/or Marije Vellekoop, e.a., Van Gogh at Work, Amsterdam 2013. Both publications are the result of a long year research project at the Van Gogh Museum. There is not much physically left of the tools Van Gogs used, except for a couple of paint tubes, reed pens and a palette he lent from Dr Gachet in Auvers - all items are kept in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. In Van Gogh’s correspondence you will incidentally find a sketch he made of a palette or a type of brush, pen, etc. he used at one particular time. There is no paint box extant, but the Van Gogh Museum does keep a large field easel that is said to have belonged to Van Gogh from his time in Nuenen, but this is not entirely sure and the item was only acquired after WWII.
With very best wishes,
Teio Meedendorp
Senior Researcher
After reading this, I feel I can now move forward making use of the research of the period I have done already. Some people will understand and Im sure others wont, but this is how I work. Especially on this project.