James Cropper

What is the colour of Manchester? Just an hour from our Paper Mill in Burneside, Manchester’s industrial past is a significant part of the North’s history. It’s a place where industrial heritage meets creative energy, reflecting the very material story of James Cropper. We’re locating colour at its origin, drawn from the landscapes that shape us, and bringing it to life through paper. Manchester is just the starting point: a first chapter in exploring how place, process and material come together to create something tangible. Because this isn’t just about Manchester. It’s about where colour starts, and where it can go next. #ColoursOfManchester #ColourAtTheSource #Coloursource #BringColourToLife #FromTheMillToManchester

Every copy of Whitney the Wasteater and the Wrong Bite is made from 15 recycled coffee cups, thanks to our collab with James Cropper and their CupCycling™️ tech, which recovers up to 95% of each cup’s fibre. #recycling #recycled #coffeecups #packaging #wasteaters

Process, movement and the art of creating something from raw form. #madeintheuk #papermaking #craft #colour

Mesmerised in blue. #madeintheuk #craft #colour #papermaker

Today, I am delighted to share 'Papermakers of the Lake District' — a new film, dispatch, and labour of love. I first discovered James Cropper Plc (@jamescropperpaper ) and the Paper Foundation (@paper.foundation ) in 2024. After meeting Mark Cropper (@paper.maker ), the mill’s 6th-generation proprietor, I was utterly enthralled by its story. Indeed, the interplay between craft, industry, and innovation is the foundational idea behind the launch of Nation of Artisans. Yet, my love for the mill only grew after finally visiting. Indeed, it was on the treacherous, rainy drive back down to London from Burneside last December, as I ruminated on the interlooping, creative power of craft and cutting edge that the idea for The British Cræft Prize started to clarify in my mind. To work with Christian Cargill (@christiancargill ) bringing this to life has been a total joy. Further, I am utterly in debt to Mark, Tom Frith-Powell, Mandy Clement and everyone at James Cropper Plc and the Paper Foundation for letting me into their world so I can tell their story. Now, the wonder of Cropper is immortalised in this film and the dispatch essay. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. — Louis Elton, founder of Nation of Artisans

Coming soon. Episode 2 — ‘Papermakers of The Lake District’ explores the art of fine paper through the eyes of the @paper.foundation and @jamescropperpaper . 🎥 Full film out this Thursday. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow @nationofartisans to see it first. Created by Louis Elton (@louiselton ) Directed by Christian Cargill (@christiancargill and @dalmatianfilms ) Featuring Mark Cropper (@paper.maker ), Mandy Clement, and Tom Frith Powell.

Coming soon. Next week we release ‘Papermakers of The Lake District’ — Episode 2 of the Nation of Artisans series. Directed by @christiancargill and produced by @louiselton , the film tells the remarkable story of Britain’s papermaking industry: from the heritage craft of @paper.foundation and its maverick steward @paper.maker , to the industrial power and cutting-edge material innovation of @jamescropperpaper . Enter a hidden world of cultural, economic and technological dynamism — hiding in plain sight in a sleepy Lake District town. Paper’s greatest days may indeed be ahead, not behind us.

Meticulous planning meets happy accidents as Susan Castillo experiments with tactile Coloursource paper, chasing those tiny, unplanned details that make an image unforgettable. #Coloursource #Paperdesign #Paperphotography #Paperscultping #WinterandCompany #ColouredPaper #Paper

Step behind the scenes as Susan builds each Coloursource still life by hand, piece by piece. From flat sheets to sculptural folds, watch Susan coax Coloursource paper into something magical. #Coloursource #Paperdesign #Paperphotography #Paperscultping #WinterandCompany #ColouredPaper #Paper

Introducing UK-based photographer Susan Castillo, who shot our beautiful Coloursource paper sculptures. Bold, graphic, playful - step inside her world as she sculpts Coloursource paper into a striking work of art. #Coloursource #Paperdesign #Paperphotography #Paperscultping #WinterandCompany #ColouredPaper #Paper

some more frames from @jamescropperpaper #papermill #uk #lakedistrictuk #photography

Here’s some follow on images from the @jamescropperpaper mill I visited yesterday morning, this time landscapes #uk #mill #jamescropper #lakedistrictuk #photographer All images shot on GFX50s ii 35-70