Publications

Members of the archive and staff have a proud publishing tradition, ensuring knowledge gained is shared with both the wider public and learned societies. Numerous articles have been published in the British Association of Paper Historians Quarterly and newsletter. Staff supply many articles to local publications and contribute specialist knowledge to academic studies.

Since 2011, seven short paperback titles have been produced for sale at £4 each. Each is written by the person who knows the subject best and are packed with facts and insights to the past, illustrated with rarely seen documents and photographs. Michael Stanyon has written and co-written many of them and as the person who created and grew the Frogmore archive for over 20 years, he is the authority on local paper history.  Fourth generation firefighter Paul Sturman, who worked at both Home Park and Apsley Mills was born to write the study on John Dickinson and British Paper Company volunteer fire brigades. Longstanding  early member of the archive volunteers, Alan Penwarden contributes to this and his own book on Home Park.

Other works are in the pipeline, so watch this space.

  • Home Park Mill

    The Gade Valley, the Paper Valley, became a crucible for change when it became central to the Industrial Revolution in [...]

  • The Poetry of Paper

    The romantic image of the small paper mill set in a wooded valley near a flowing stream has provided the [...]

  • The Lion Goes to War

    From the Napoleonic War through to the Second World War, this is the story of a company and its people. [...]

  • Protecting the Business

    This booklet traces the history of fire protection in the John Dickinson paper mills, starting from the introduction of mobile [...]

  • Railways: the John Dickinson Connection

    The growth of a small company into a world leader is often closely linked to the transport system available. Initially [...]

  • Domesday to Today

    Hamper Mill on the River Colne near Rickmansworth is one of those rare British places which has evolved over many [...]

  • Following the Paper Trail

    The Gade Valley, the Paper Valley, became a crucible for change. When the Gade Valley became a building block of [...]

Research

The Michael Stanyon Archive was founded in 1999 and has since grown to house over 9000 physical and digital items on a range of topics relating to papermaking and its history, with a particular focus on the local area and the key figures and companies involved. From paper making materials and equipment to the final products produced, company ledgers to photographs to sporting trophies, as well as an extensive library, the archive offers a wealth of information for researchers.

The archive has been used as a source for published research, and assists many in researching family history, the paper industry, and the local area. To make an archive enquiry or to learn more, email: archive@frogmorepapermill.org.uk

We get many enquiries so we cannot guarantee a quick response. But we will get back to you!

Be Part of the Story

If you once worked in a Gade Valley Mill, had family members who did, or can recall stories of South West Hertfordshire’s papermaking heyday, we would love to
hear from you. Our Memory Bank was formed thanks to a NatWest Bank grant in 2013, the results of which can be viewed via our website and on YouTube. We want the Memory Bank to continue to grow or these wonderful stories will be lost. Whether they are memories of working life, the social and sporting life, or memories of the local community, no matter how big or small we want to hear. Your recollections are important to us.

The team are happy to acquire your story however you are comfortable to record it. Written accounts are welcome, as are voice recordings. If you are willing to be filmed we would be delighted. We will seek to make the experience as relaxing as possible. We will choose an appropriate location or even come to you. You are welcome to bring a friend, we supply refreshments and will give you a break whenever you wish. We use a high quality camera on a tripod and lighting, later editing the footage. We then send you a copy for approval. Nothing will be shared that you do not wish to be. We ask you to complete model release and permissions forms of which you will be given a copy.

These oral histories capture life in the paper mills like nothing else. Do get in touch for a chat. Email archive@frogmorepapermill.org.uk or call 01442 234600 and ask for Rowena.