Winds down about 50 artistic supports (6)

I believe the answer is:

easels

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'supports' is the definition.
(easel is a kind of support)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for easels that I've seen before include "Artists' tripods" , "Artists' supports" , "Painters' stands" , "Stands for artists' canvases" , "Stands for blackboards, artists' paintings etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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