Combined with carefully selected cotton and pulp fibres, this exceptional water allows our papermakers to produce papers known around the world for their reliability and character. At the centre of it all is a century-old paper machine that continues to run with quiet determination today.

A historic setting

Nestled below the Mendip Hills near the city of Wells, St Cuthberts Mill sits within stone buildings surrounded by gardens laid out in the Victorian period. Over time, it has earned the affectionate nickname ‘the Buckingham Palace of paper mills’. The site reflects a long relationship between industry and nature: wildlife thrives along the riverbanks while papermaking continues within the mill walls.

Two stone lions stand on the roof, symbols that have become part of the St Cuthberts Mill identity alongside the Saint Cuthbert’s Cross. Together they represent the strength and heritage that define the mill’s history.

The cylinder mould machine – the heart of the mill

At the heart of production is our vintage cylinder mould paper machine, built in 1907 and still in daily use. Known affectionately as “No. 2”, this machine produces Mould Made paper, a process that sits between handmade and machine-made methods. It allows fibres to settle naturally in multiple directions, giving the finished sheet excellent dimensional stability.

This structure is particularly valued by artists. A Mould Made sheet tends to remain flatter when wet and holds its shape during painting, even under repeated washes. While the machine retains its historic character, it has been carefully maintained and updated to ensure the consistent quality expected by artists today.

Skilled papermakers

The people who operate the mill bring years of experience and a deep understanding of their craft. Knowledge has been passed from one generation of papermakers to the next, combining traditional skills with modern precision. From preparing the pulp to adjusting absorbency and surface finish, every stage is carefully overseen.

Their work ensures that each sheet of Saunders Waterford®, Millford and Bockingford® offers dependable performance, whether an artist is applying delicate washes or working more vigorously with lifting and scrubbing techniques.

Hand finishing and traditional details

Although machinery plays an important role, certain finishing touches are still completed by hand. On Saunders Waterford®, for example, two of the four deckle edges are carefully torn by hand by skilled craftspeople. This gives each sheet its distinctive elegant appearance and preserves the character.

These traditional details connect the finished sheet to the people who made it and are valued by artists and collectors alike.

Thorough quality testing

Consistency is central to everything we do. Each reel of paper undergoes extensive testing throughout production, with checks for strength, absorbency, texture, shade and surface performance. Sheets are painted on and handled in ways that replicate real studio use to ensure they respond as expected. Only once they meet our standards are they approved for cutting, finishing and packing.

This careful testing helps ensure that every batch performs reliably, so artists can return to their chosen paper with confidence.

Working with the environment

St Cuthberts Mill has always operated in close connection with its surroundings. Water drawn from the River Axe is treated and cleaned after use before being returned to the river. Maintaining this balance between production and environmental responsibility is an important part of our approach.
The wildlife that inhabits the area, from birds along the river to animals in the surrounding countryside, is a daily reminder of the importance of protecting the landscape that supports the mill.

A tradition that continues

Behind every sheet of paper lies a combination of natural resources, historic machinery and skilled hands. From the water that flows through the mill to the papermakers who oversee each stage, every element contributes to the character of St Cuthberts Mill papers.

For artists, this process may be unseen, but it forms the foundation of papers trusted around the world. Each sheet carries with it a piece of Somerset’s heritage and is ready to become part of an artist’s own creative story.

For a virtual look inside the mill, with a behind-the-scenes tour.

 

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