A Meeting of Makers, Thinkers, and Materials

Across the day, speakers explored paper from multiple perspectives: its fibre composition, its interaction with ink, and its longevity. Discussions moved fluidly between science and art, tradition and innovation, highlighting the depth and complexity behind what can often be taken for granted as a simple sheet.

St Cuthberts Mill’s presentation underscored the importance of understanding the wider ecology of papermaking and spoke to how the flow of water plays a vital role in making paper, how refining is a crucial element in engineering printmaking papers, and the processes used to produce beautiful, archival-quality sheets.

St Cuthberts Mill: Craft, Heritage, and Performance

As a long-established British papermaker and specialist printmaking paper producer, St Cuthberts Mill was proud to contribute to these discussions, sharing insights into the craft of making mould-made fine art papers in Somerset. From fibre selection and sizing to sheet formation and drying, our involvement highlighted how centuries-old knowledge continues to inform contemporary paper production.

Artist Demonstrations & Creative Insight

St Cuthberts Mill was joined by Somerset® Ambassador Aga Kubish, who shared her printmaking practices and discussed how paper choice influences surface, tone, and expression in their work.

Master Printer Laura Clarke ran a workshop on handling large-format paper, alongside talks by Professor Carinna Parraman and Angie Butler from the CFPR, Emeritus Professor Stephen Hoskins, printmaking ink specialist Michael Crane, and speakers from across the world who had answered the call for papers.

Papers to Test: Paper Is the Quiet Hero of Every Creative Journey

Delegates received, courtesy of St Cuthberts Mill, a bag of Somerset® paper to try, test and explore, including some of the more unusual shades and surfaces within the range.

Do You Know Your Print Techniques?

On the day, participants were invited to put their knowledge to the test in a fun, informal Print Identification Quiz. A 25-sheet pack of Somerset® Satin (sponsored by St Cuthberts Mill) awaited the lucky winner who truly knew their techniques.

Looking Ahead

Events like Papers on Paper reaffirmed why paper matters. At St Cuthberts Mill, we remain committed to supporting artists, educators, and printmakers by producing papers that honour tradition while meeting the needs of contemporary practice.

Because behind every successful print, drawing, or artwork lies a sheet of paper, thoughtfully made, carefully chosen, and full of potential.

About Our Hosts at the Centre for Print Research

The Centre for Print Research (CFPR) at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is a distinctive multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to exploring and advancing all aspects of print practice, technology, materials and processes. Established in 1998, CFPR brings together expertise from traditional printmaking, digital fabrication, imaging and material sciences to innovate and find creative solutions for the future of print. It conducts cutting-edge research across areas such as new print materials, digital manufacturing, historic and contemporary imaging, and fine art print and artist-books, often in collaboration with industry partners, artists and international institutions.

The symposium offered a rare opportunity to slow down and look closely at paper—not just as a surface, but as a material with history, character, and agency. Through talks, demonstrations, and conversations, attendees were invited to consider how paper is made, how it behaves, and how it shapes the work created upon it.

Location: Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR), University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol
Format: One-day symposium
Focus: Paper, printmaking, material practice
Date: 27 January 2026

For further information on the Paper Symposium at the CFPR

Click here for more articles