Griffen Mill

Papers for Historical Re-Enactments & Film Props

Although most of the Griffen Mill papers are used by bookbinders and conservators, a growing number of sheets are being bought for use in films and documentaries. Recreating historical events whether on film or on location in a Royal Palace or on a battlefield often involves the use of "antique" paper in the form of scrolls, letters, maps, books and proclamations.

The "medieval" papers, Falcon and Old Cleeve which have the have narrow chain lines and crispness found in many papers of the 15th and 16th Centuries seem to be used for a variety of purposes.

For example, at the thinner weights, Old Cleeve has been used to make paper cartridges for muskets used in the recreation of battle scenes whilst the thicker 115gsm sheets have been turned into early playing cards! The brown toned Falcon has been used for old inventories and books.

Proclamations and notices usually require a tough paper and this is where Akbar Natural, a tough, off white paper is often the paper chosen. Griffen has been used to make Tudor recipe books for the kitchen re-enactors at Hampton Court Palace as well as being converted into notices and pamphlets and labels for pots of jams and bottles of medicine!

One of the major problems when filming paper for historical documentaries is that many modern white papers appear to have an unsightly colour cast when filmed. Not being filmmakers we were unaware of this problem until we heard that an increasing amount of Griffen Mill paper was being sold to film and historical documentary makers. Not only does the paper look authentic in the close- up shots but the problems with the colour cast are usually negligible. Is it magic? Perhaps not but it certainly worked in several of the Harry Potter films.

If you would like advice as to which paper would be suitable for your project,please contact the Mill.